Matrade, DHL Express Boost SME Export Readiness

Malaysia's trade promotion agency, Matrade, and DHL Express have renewed their strategic partnership to enhance the export readiness and competitiveness of local small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

“

The current trade landscape requires Malaysian businesses to be more prepared, diversify markets, and possess greater resilience than before.

The renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focuses on strengthening the capabilities of Malaysian SMEs, enabling them to navigate market challenges and seize global opportunities. Matrade CEO Datuk Abu Bakar Yusof emphasized that boosting SME capabilities and integrating them into global value chains is central to Matrade's mission, particularly in the current demanding trade environment.

"The current trade landscape requires Malaysian businesses to be more prepared, diversify markets, and possess greater resilience than before," Yusof stated. He noted that exporters face challenges like tariff policy changes, supply chain disruptions, and rising transportation risks. The collaboration with DHL aims to equip local firms with the knowledge and confidence to manage these pressures and capitalize on new market openings.

“

Our exporters are facing challenges such as changes in tariff policies, supply chain disruptions, and increased transportation risks.

Through the "Trade and Grow Beyond Borders" program, registered companies will access online content and physical workshops. These sessions, led by DHL Express international experts and industry partners, cover e-commerce, financing, marketing, logistics, customs compliance, and sustainable growth strategies. This aligns with Matrade's 2026 roadmap, which prioritizes helping Malaysian companies expand into non-traditional markets like ASEAN, South Asia, Central Asia, and Africa.

“

The renewed cooperation with DHL will equip local enterprises with the knowledge and confidence to face these pressures and seize new opportunities in markets that accept Malaysian goods and services.

The need for such strategic support is heightened by shifts in U.S. tariff policies and a 30% decrease in Malaysia's trade with West Asia due to ongoing regional conflicts. Increased shipping costs also pressure export competitiveness. Since 2022, the joint program has trained nearly 700 participants across Malaysia, with seven SMEs also joining the DHL GoTrade GBSN Fellowship for mentorship from postgraduate students.

“

As a facilitator of global trade, DHL has extensive experience in connecting businesses with customers and communities worldwide.