JOHOR BAHRU, Nov 8 —Local entrepreneurs, especially micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), need to be bold in exploring international markets and not rely solely on the domestic market.
Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) deputy chief executive officer (exporter development) Abu Bakar Yusof said Matrade with its 49 trade offices worldwide is ready to assist local entrepreneurs in penetrating the global market.
He said various local companies, including MSMEs, that have been assisted managed to expand their businesses and contribute to the national economy.
“Entrepreneurs cannot rely solely on the domestic market despite the somewhat slow global economic performance this year.
“Our domestic market is small, so competition is quite intense and many manufacturers produce the same products and compete among themselves. So, why not expand to larger explorable markets?” he said at a press conference of Johor Export Day 2023 here today.
Abu Bakar said entrepreneurs needed to take the opportunity to expand the market with various programmes provided, including through the Johor Export Day 2023.
He said the state’s export day is the best platform to connect the business community, especially local entrepreneurs and export-related parties to understand the global market and establish business relationships and share knowledge in the international trade arena.
Abu Bakar said the Johor Export Day 2023 is also an important platform for building and guiding more new Johor export entrepreneurs, in addition to expanding the existing and international markets to boost the national economy.
“This programme also serves as a one-stop centre for sharing basic information related to the export ecosystem and access to government support services.
“Matrade hopes that entrepreneurs in Johor will benefit from this programme to expand their businesses to international markets and, ultimately, contribute to the economic development of Johor and Malaysia in general,” he said.
The two-day Johor Export Day 2023 is organised by MATRADE and Perbadanan Usahawan Johor Sdn Bhd (PUJB) beginning today to encourage the export of the country’s products and services, especially from MSMEs.
— Bernama
