KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 20 — The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) has coordinated efforts to develop the capabilities of approximately 300,000 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to successfully generate RM867 million in export sales through e-commerce platforms from 2021 to 2024.
Investment, Trade, and Industry (Miti) Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said that to ensure the government’s digitalisation policy benefits local entrepreneurs, the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint aims to equip MSMEs with essential digital skills.
“This is to create an inclusive environment where no entrepreneur is left behind in the digital economy,” he said during the winding-up session of the Royal Address debate for Miti in the Dewan Rakyat today.
In related developments, Tengku Zafrul said that as of January 2025, Malaysia has signed seven international trade agreements that include commitments to digitalisation.
These include the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, and the Malaysia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
He said these agreements will establish a seamless and secure digital environment for the trade of goods, services, and data movement.
This will, in turn, enhance the country’s trade competitiveness and create new opportunities for sustainable economic growth, including for MSMEs with the potential to expand their market reach regionally and internationally.
“Secondly, they can leverage digital tools and technology to improve efficiency and productivity; thirdly, they gain new financing opportunities for business expansion, particularly through financial technology facilities.
“And fourthly, they can enhance their workforce skills by utilising training programmes and initiatives provided by the government,” Tengku Zafrul said.
Additionally, the minister acknowledged that the country is not immune to the impact of global trade and investment policies as Malaysia’s economy practices open trade, including geopolitical and new policies introduced by the United States.
“We emphasise our commitment to free and neutral policies. At the same time, we must remain open to establishing relationships with other countries.
“Therefore, we must also focus and identify quality investments and adopt the country’s focused strategy,” he said.
— Bernama
