The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) is aiming to achieve exports exceeding RM1.7 trillion in value this year. Its chairman Reezal Merican Naina Merican said part of its strategy towards this goal was to target new emerging markets to strengthen and enhance the country’s trade and economy, Bernama reported. He said Malaysia needs to explore emerging markets in Africa, including countries like Egypt, Libya, and Botswana, which are not traditional partners of the country but are experiencing economic growth. He said Malaysian businesses have many opportunities to enter these countries. “I believe that about 10 years ago, Africa had a population of around 800 million, and now it has risen to nearly 1.4 billion,” he told reporters following a Ramadan charity event in Kepala Batas. Reezal pointed out that such a strategy – exploring new markets for sustainable economic growth – is crucial now in light of geopolitical pressures and the trade war between China and the United States. “Even though our country is small, it demonstrates our capabilities in the export sector, particularly in electrical and electronic goods, semiconductors, and with new strategies being implemented by the investment, trade and industry ministry,” he said. In January, Reezal said that Malaysia achieved its highest-ever trade value of RM2.88 trillion in 2024. He said that it was a 9.2% increase from the year before, Bernama reported. He added that exports grew by 5.7% to RM1.508 trillion, marking the second time the figure surpassed RM1.5 trillion. The first time was in 2022 when exports hit RM1.550 trillion. (ICE KUALA LUMPUR)

Fonte notizia: 14 aprile 2025, Kuala Lumpur