Australia Malaysia trade to benefit from MATRADE programs and initiatives

MELBOURNE, Australia - June 30, 2015 - PRLog -- The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) Trade Commissioner to Australia, Ms Noor Hayati has advised that her team has a number of exciting programs and initiatives planned for the new financial year that will capitalise on the Malaysia Australia Free Trade Agreement (MAFTA) and enhance bilateral trade opportunities between Malaysia and Australia.

Commenting further, Ms Hayati said MATRADE had a key role to play in facilitating greater bilateral trade engagement and the agency’s plans, programs and activities will promote the benefits of MAFTA and Malaysia’s exports in Australia.  “Among others, MATRADE is organising several promotional activities for the Malaysian food sector, via its intensive Malaysia Kitchen Programme (MKP) and participation at a national pavilion level in Fine Food Australia”.

Over the years, MKP has evolved to become a national branding initiative to promote Malaysia’s cuisine including food ingredients, kitchen equipment & appliances, Halal supplies for industries and services through an integrated and holistic approach.

The current MKP program is being marketed as ‘Bringing Malaysia into Every Home’ and promotional activities include participation at iconic gastronomic and trade events, promotional programs at major supermarket chains, sourcing mission to Malaysia by major importers, advertising and promotion (A&P) and media engagements through mainstream and social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.

Malaysia benefits by having one of the fastest growing economies in the Asia Pacific region and its building supply sector has obtained international recognition supporting the nation’s developments of new towns, housing, large scale infrastructure undertakings, educational and medical centres, industrial and commercial projects.

As a result, Malaysia’s building supply industry is capitalising on its expertise and reputation for quality and is very export-oriented.

Ms Hayati continued, “MATRADE will be promoting Malaysian proficiency in building material products to supply to the dynamic and growing Australian construction industry. Malaysia does not only offer products which are of competitive advantage, but also provides a wider range of choices for Australian industry”.

Towards this, MATRADE has confirmed that plans are well advanced for a Marketing Mission and delegation of Malaysian building material exporters to Melbourne and Christchurch in August.

Malaysia’s oil and gas sector constantly seeks to improve productivity, reduce costs and upskill its workforce.  This demand and commitment to excellence is proving very attractive to Australian oil and gas companies, education providers, etc to provide cost effective approaches and technology solutions.

Reflecting on Australia Malaysia two way trade, Ms Hayati said, “Although oil products feature prominently in Malaysia Australia trade, other major imported products from Malaysia include electrical and electronic (E&E) including automatic data processing machines, electrical apparatus of line telephony, television receivers, diodes and transistors”.

“Malaysia was also Australia’s major source for copper wire, polymer plates, sheet, film or foil and machinery and equipment”.

Australia’s main exports to Malaysia include minerals such as coal, nickel, refined copper and petroleum oils.  Agriculture products which include wheat and meslin, meat, and dairy products were also Australia’s major exports to Malaysia.

Ms Hayati concluded, “As the benefits of MAFTA continue to be build Malaysian companies are seeking to capitalise on the FTA and explore export opportunities in Australia.  MATRADE is committed to assisting Malaysian entrepreneurs through innovative promotional campaigns and initiatives making the slogan ‘Made-In-Malaysia’ synonymous with excellence and reliability”.

“With the ASEAN Economic Community coming into force on 1 January 2016, Australian businesses should consider establishing alliances and JVs with Malaysian businesses and through an operation in Malaysia access markets in the SE Asia Region”.

Information regarding any of MATRADE Australia’s activities, programs, inbound trade delegations and connection to Malaysian business partners, can be obtained by writing to the following email address melbourne@matrade.gov.my

Issued by MATRADE       www.matrade.gov.my

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