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THE Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI) Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz (picture) has called on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to capitalise on Malaysia’s free trade agreements (FTAs) to expand their reach into international markets.

Speaking at the MITI Day 2024 launch event today, he highlighted the importance of global market access for local companies.

“Today’s MITI Day allows us to engage with the public and SMEs so they can better understand the role of the ministry and its agencies in supporting SMEs and businesses to export,” he told the press.

Recognising the limitations of the domestic market, he emphasised the need for local companies to explore foreign markets to ensure growth.

“Since our market is not that large, if we want to grow as local companies, we must have access to foreign markets.

“As an open country, we have many FTAs with other nations,” he added.

Tengku Zafrul encouraged local SMEs to take full advantage of these agreements, which provide opportunities to export to countries that have entered into FTAs with Malaysia.

The initiative is part of the ministry’s broader effort to boost the country’s trade and economic development.

Apart from that, Tengku Zafrul announced road tax exemptions and rebates of up to RM2,400 for the purchase or subscription of electric motorcycles.

The move is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to promote electric vehicle (EV) adoption.

The incentive is available to individuals with an annual income of less than RM120,000, aiming to encourage more Malaysians to transition to EVs and support green mobility initiatives.

In addition to its focus on EVs, MITI Day also offered a career carnival that showcased over 2,600 job opportunities from more than 22 companies, specifically targeting graduates.

The event highlighted the importance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), with key participation from institutions such as the Department of Manpower, Volkswagen Group Malaysia, the German Malaysian Institute, AERO Malaysia Engineering Centre and the Advanced Technology Training Centre (ADTEC) Shah Alam.

MITI Day, which focused on a people-friendly approach, revolved around five core elements, namely investment, international trade, industrial development, employment opportunities and outreach.

These themes align with the ministry’s commitment to attracting high-quality investments, expanding international trade and strengthening Malaysia’s industrial sector, all of which are key contributors to the nation’s economic growth.

Source: https://themalaysianreserve.com/2024/10/01/miti-urges-smes-to-leverage-ftas-for-export-growth/