Matrade opens opportunities for local exporters to penetrate global humanitarian supply chains

Malaysia's Trade Promotion Agency (Matrade) is spearheading a strategic initiative to enhance the participation of local companies in the global humanitarian procurement sector. This effort is being undertaken in collaboration with the United Nations World Food Programme's Humanitarian Response Depot (UNHRD) in Kuala Lumpur and the Asia Pacific Regional Office of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). Matrade Chief Executive Officer Abu Bakar Yusof stated that the global humanitarian procurement market presents a significant avenue for Malaysian companies to diversify their export markets while contributing to worldwide relief efforts. By meeting international procurement standards, Malaysian exporters can establish themselves as reliable partners for supplying critical aid and humanitarian solutions to crisis-affected communities. As a next step, Matrade will organize a dedicated International Sourcing Program (INSP) with UNHRD Kuala Lumpur and IFRC from July to December 2026. This program will feature a series of guided business-to-business (B2B) meetings, enabling local companies to showcase their products, understand procurement specifications, and build direct commercial relationships with institutional buyers. The initial phase of engagement will focus on essential humanitarian products, including hygiene kits, family kits, kitchen sets, and other emergency relief supplies. Abu Bakar also welcomed the upcoming Humanitarian Readiness & Supplies Expo at UNHRD Kuala Lumpur on July 22, viewing it as a platform for local manufacturers to gain direct exposure to humanitarian supply chain operations. This restructuring of the humanitarian supply chain is supported by strategic partnerships across several Malaysian ministries, including the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (KLN), the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), and the Ministry of Finance (MOF). Matrade is optimistic that this program will act as a key catalyst in expanding Malaysia's export market share and reinforcing the nation's reputation as a provider of high-quality, dependable humanitarian products internationally.

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With the fulfillment of international procurement standards, our exporters are able to position themselves as trusted partners in supplying critical aid goods and essential humanitarian solutions to affected communities.