By Ling Hui
KUCHING, Jan 20: Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) will be organising a ‘Sarawak Export Day’ in August to educate local entrepreneurs about export standards.
Matrade deputy chief executive officer Abu Bakar Yusof said businesses will need to know the rules and regulations, certifications, documentations, and other requirements before exporting goods or merchandise to other countries.
“That is where Matrade comes into the picture because we have 46 global trade officers all over the world on all continents, and they know all these things.
“For example, Japan enforces very stringent standards for imported products. So, Matrade has an office in Tokyo and Osaka, and they will be able to share information with our companies here including in Sarawak,” he said.
With adequate knowledge of market requirements, local businesses can then equip themselves with proper certification and qualifications to become exporters.
Abu Bakar also said ‘Sarawak Export Day’ will incorporate sharing by professionals about conventional and alternative financing to help startups that are looking for assistance in terms of funding.
“Matrade has close relationships with local banks such as Bank Islam and CIMB Bank that are ever willing to help selected entrepreneurs by providing allocations.
“In terms of alternative financing such as venture capital, angel investors, crowdfunding, private equity and so on, Matrade is also looking into this field to expand our support for our members,” he told reporters during a media session at a local restaurant here today.
Abu Bakar said traders, manufacturers, and companies may register themselves as Matrade members online free of charge.
Other than being able to receive first-hand updates about trade opportunities and market information from Matrade, members will have the privilege of participating in pre-arranged business matching with international buyers.
Assistance, export training, and awareness programmes will also be available all year round, such as the Globepreneur initiative and eTrade platform.
Matrade is a government agency under the Ministry of International Trade and Industry Malaysia (Miti) that specialises in external trade.
The agency was established in March 1993 and given the mandate to grow Malaysian entrepreneurs into exporters and to assist them to expand into export markets. — Dayakdaily
