Chow (centre) together with PDC chief executive officer Datuk Aziz Bakar (fifth from left), state trade, entrepreneurial development and rural development committee chairman Rashidi Zinol (sixth from left), Reezal Merican (fifth from right), deputy chief executive officer (exporters development) Mansor Shah Wahid (fourth from right) and ‘Skim Pinjaman Harapan’ loan scheme recipients at the Penang Export Day 2024 launch event held at the Olive Tree Hotel in Bayan Lepas, Penang.
PENANG: The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) is hosting Penang Export Day starting today until July 23 as a way to enhance the export capabilities of industry players in the state, particularly among micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Held at the Olive Tree Hotel in Bayan Lepas, the event is expected to reinforce Penang's position as a leading exporter in the country.
The event was officiated by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and was also attended by Matrade chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, who is also Bertam assemblyman.
Penang Export Day is organised by Matrade in collaboration with the Penang state government through the Penang Development Corporation (PDC), with strategic partners including Affin Bank Bhd, Alibaba.com, Exim Bank Malaysia, FedEx Malaysia and Maybank Islamic Bhd.
Reezal Merican said that the capability of MSMEs in the state to produce international-standard products helps solidify its status as a leading exporter in the country.
He added that Penang Export Day is enriched with various export-related programmes designed to increase MSMEs’ knowledge and awareness to expand their businesses beyond national borders.
"Exporters in the state must keep up with current developments to ensure that global market strategies and requirements are met.
“Furthermore, the support provided by the state government in facilitating and enhancing the capacity of industry players in Penang to enter the export market deserves commendation," he added.
Penang maintained its position as a major exporter in the country in 2023, contributing RM434.74bil or 30.5% to Malaysia’s total exports.
Penang is also known as the 'Silicon Valley of the East' due to its strong electrical and electronic sector ecosystem.
Meanwhile, Matrade chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz said that the agency would continue to collaborate with the Penang state government to provide opportunities for state entrepreneurs to penetrate international markets.
"Participants in the Penang Export Day programme will receive information on various export facilitation programmes provided by Matrade, including promotional opportunities such as the International Sourcing Programme (INSP), where they can meet with international buyers to expand their market presence on the global stage," he shared.
The next Export Day will be held at the Imperial Hotel in Kuching, Sarawak on Aug 16, in collaboration with Matrade and the Sarawak state government through the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak.
