KUCHING: The National Export Day has always been a core trade event put together by Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) for Malaysian exporters and others involved in trade-related activities.
In 2020, for the very first time, Matrade organised a virtual eNational Export Day (eNED 2020), bringing together a large trade audience from every corner of Malaysia and even from around the world.
This year’s theme of “Transforming Crisis into Opportunities” is spot-on, as it explores and delves deeper into how exporters can survive and thrive through this pandemic.
The three-day event held from September 8 to 10, 2020 (Tuesday to Thursday) was officiated by Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Lim Ban Hong (yesterday) morning.
In his keynote address, he urged Malaysian companies especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to expedite adoption of digitalisation and seize the opportunity created by the rapid digitalisation in global economy.
He added that Malaysian companies should leverage public-private sector collaboration to advance their cause in the global market.
Lim also said Covid-19 has changed the conduct of business and international trade.
“The need to intensify export sales and to get to market is crucial given the altered and disruptive environment we now face.
“In the new norm, digitalisation plays an important role, especially in reaching out to foreign buyers as well as enhance trading with other nations.
“Hence, the Ministry of International Trade and Industry via its agency, Matrade will double the efforts to intensify export sales by leveraging on digital platforms.”
eNED 2020 was attended by more than 1,300 virtual participants from all business levels including SMEs, start-ups, venture capitalists, mid-tier companies, large corporations, government linked companies (GLCs), multinational companies (MNCs), government agencies as well as institutions of higher learning from all over Malaysia.
Organised virtually for the first time, this event featured personalities and field experts from various sectors, including local and international businesses that shared their journey and successful transition through the crisis to beat the odds.
Additionally, the industry players, financiers, economists, trade experts, Matrade officials and Trade Commissioners shared insights and assistance provided by Matrade to re-ignite the momentum in pursuing export sales amidst a global pandemic.
The event was streamed live for three consecutive days from 9am to 1pm.
“Matrade has leveraged on digital platforms to sustain export promotion programmes during the pandemic such as online business-to-business meeting (eBizMatch), webinars, virtual trade shows and business pitching for exporters to ensure continuous engagement with global clients,” Matrade chief executive officer Dato’ Wan Latiff Wan Musa said.
“The high turnout shows a strong interest among our companies to continue their export business despite border closure. It is crucial for Matrade to encourage these companies to continue venturing abroad and this event will help them understand how they can do things differently in the new norm.”
During the session, participants had the opportunity to gather valuable market insight presented by Matrade Trade Commissioners from Asean, India, China, US and Saudi Arabia which allowed them develop export strategies and expand their business globally.
Source: https://www.theborneopost.com/2020/09/08/matrade-aims-to-turn-crisis-into-opportunity/