DHL EXPRESS, MATRADE TO LAUNCH MSME EXPORT READINESS PROGRAMME IN 2023

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 25 (Bernama) -- DHL Express and Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) will be launching a programme called “Trade and Grow Beyond Borders” in the first quarter of 2023.

The new initiative to enhance export readiness among Malaysian businesses serves as a platform to support local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to uncover latent foreign demand and tap into overseas markets, the parties said in a joint statement, in conjunction with a memorandum of understanding formalised by both parties today.

DHL Express’ international specialists and its network of industry partners will lead a series of modular training focused on globalisation, from financing and marketing to logistics and e-commerce.

“It also aims to foster collaboration among the target audience and provide businesses with guidance,” the joint statement said. 

MATRADE chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz said the agency is striving to encourage more MSMEs to seize opportunities abroad and increase their export volume.

“However, we acknowledge the challenges that come with taking their business across borders and understand how the right support can make all the difference to a company with an eye on international expansion.

“We can help them make that leap through our partnership with DHL,” he said.

Meanwhile, DHL Express Malaysia and Brunei managing director Julian Neo said this new programme continues their efforts to mitigate export bottlenecks by leveraging public and private sector cooperation in addition to their expertise and capabilities.

“As facilitators of global trade, we can contribute to the success of local entrepreneurs,” he added.

The programme is open to participating companies of MATRADE’s Mid-Tier Companies Development Programme (MTCDP), GlobPreneur Programme, as well as Bumiputera, Women, and Youth Exporters Development Programme (BWYEDP).

There are plans to extend the scope to include other companies registered with MATRADE.

The “Trade and Grow Beyond Borders” initiative is organised as part of GoTrade, a social impact programme of Deutsche Post DHL Group, that assists export-led growth for small and medium-sized enterprises.

The initiative equips business owners with practical knowledge and resources to navigate the complexities of shipping abroad and accessing foreign markets.

-- BERNAMA