by NUR HAZIQAH A MALEK / pic credit: exportday.my

THE Malaysia External Trade Development Corp (Matrade) has formalised a landmark collaboration at its annual eNational Export Day (eNED@2021) to partner Google Malaysia and Bank Islam Malaysia Bhd.

Matrade chairman Tan Sri Dr Halim Mohammad said the agency is embracing the new norm by changing its approach to cater to more agile assistance and enhancing promotion activities to ensure the companies remain competitive.

“This year, eNED offers even more value for participants as it highlights key insights to guide exporters in the areas of financing, sustainability, digitalisation, market opportunities, as well as current trade-related issues.

“These topics were carefully chosen to excite exporters in reimagining the future beyond Covid-19,” he said at the annual virtual event.

As collaborative partners to Matrade, the partnership sees Google Malaysia and Bank Islam launch into their first assignment as the panel members at eNED@2021, in which the public-private synergy will leverage on shared assets to organise longer-term enrichment programmes to raise the business community’s competitiveness.

This will also include immersion sessions on digital tools, global networking and business matching initiatives.

Speaking on the partnership, Google Malaysia MD Marc Woo said the company believes technology plays a significant role in helping companies to adapt to the evolving business standards.

“We are looking forward to undertaking even more initiatives under this new collaboration with Matrade, aimed at helping more Malaysian businesses internationalise.

“It is our shared hope that this will produce more export-ready businesses to capitalise on the increasing global trade opportunities.”

Bank Islam CEO Mohd Muzzam Mohamed said the bank is honoured to facilitate the growth of businesses through its offerings that are Shariah-compliant, which allows enterprises to fortify their global market presence.

“In turn, we will be able to contribute to the country’s economic recovery post-Covid-19 pandemic.”

Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Lim Ban Hong said the annual event will create an effective platform in the new normal to impart knowledge and technical know-how on export opportunities through constructive discourses with businesses.

“With the synergy set into motion, I am sure that the continuous recovery of Malaysia’s exports can take place, ultimately building our economic resilience.”

At the three-days annual event, plenary sessions will discuss challenges faced by enterprises in pursuing export markets, such as funding, trade regulations and supply chain disruptions.

C-suites from public and private sectors, small and medium enterprise association representatives and trade commissioners across key growth markets shared their insights on the current global market scenario, opportunities and effective entry strategies.

Other topics to be included at eNED@2021 include sustainability as a future export agenda, digitalisation beyond the pandemic through e-commerce, as well as updates on the US-China trade conflict and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

Owners of businesses can still register to be a part of the largest exporters’ virtual gathering and benefit from the sessions scheduled for July 14-15, where approximately 2,000 companies across sectors such as commodities, food and beverage, manufacturing, agriculture, construction, business and financial services and education, among others, have already registered for the eNED@2021.

The virtual event is live streamed from July 13 to 15, 2021, while the registration for the event can be done online at www.exportday.my.