MATRADE projects trade surplus growth of at least 15 to 20 per cent
MSMEs contributed 39.7 per cent to Malaysia's GDP in 2025, but their export contribution was 14.7 per cent, according to MATRADE's chief executive.
Malaysia's trade surplus could grow by at least 15 to 20 per cent in 2026 from RM156.83 billion in 2025, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) chief executive officer Datuk Indera Abu Bakar Yusof said.
Abu Bakar attributed the forecast to rising exports, a wider international market presence and more participation from micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Speaking to Bernama following MATRADE Academy’s Strategic Networking Ceremony on Nov 2, he said the agency would prioritise lifting local companies' export contribution, especially that of MSMEs.
The agency's Malaysia Exporters Registry has nearly 11,300 members, with about 4,200 comprising MSMEs that already sell abroad, he said. MATRADE's longer-term efforts include increasing local companies' exports to strengthen their contribution to Malaysia's trade surplus.
Through MATRADE Academy, the agency works with public- and private-sector partners on training, content and expertise for 16 exporter capacity-building modules. Subjects include financing, logistics, certification, packaging, digital trade, market intelligence and export readiness.
The programme is designed to help MSMEs prepare for their first exports and enable current exporters to enter more markets. Abu Bakar said companies completing it would later participate in promotional activities abroad, displaying products and developing business networks. He said results should be assessed through companies' actions, including starting exports, raising export values and reaching additional markets.
Separately, MATRADE exchanged a memorandum of understanding with FedEx Malaysia aimed at bolstering assistance to exporters, with international logistics a particular focus.
