KUALA LUMPUR, Nearly 4,000 Malaysian companies have expanded their reach internationally through the MADANI Digital Trade (MDT) platform, boosting their competitiveness in the global market.
The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) highlighted that the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2025 fully leveraged the MDT platform, connecting 600 Malaysian halal exporters, including micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), with 300 international buyers through digital business matching.
“MDT facilitates, modernises, and digitalises cross-border trade, enabling goods and services to move faster, more efficiently, and cost-effectively,” MATRADE said in a statement today. “The platform also supports key trade processes such as customs declarations for imports, exports, and e-commerce transactions, improving compliance and streamlining operations.”
MATRADE noted that MDT prioritises MSME empowerment, providing digital tools and resources to prepare them for international trade. “With intelligent business matching and trade facilitation services, MSMEs can actively participate in global markets and integrate into international supply chains,” it added.
During the Global Halal Summit (GHaS) on Sept 19, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim highlighted MDT’s role in strengthening Malaysia’s global competitiveness. He emphasised that the platform is a key enabler for trade digitalisation, SME empowerment, and deeper integration into global supply chains, reflecting the government’s vision to support businesses through innovation and digital connectivity.
Digitalisation, he noted, allows companies to operate more efficiently, access new markets, and tap into opportunities within the digital economy and international trade.
At the MDT platform launch on March 13, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz described it as a catalyst for trade facilitation. He said the platform would streamline export processes, reduce costs, and provide inclusive opportunities for SMEs on the international stage.
As the lead agency, MATRADE works closely with relevant government bodies, including the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD), and trade ecosystem partners across logistics, insurance, and finance. “RMCD plays a vital role in enabling seamless trade by integrating digital solutions into customs operations, improving efficiency, and strengthening trade facilitation,” MATRADE said. “This initiative not only enhances Malaysia’s international trade standing but also drives economic growth through a more transparent, technology-driven trade environment.”
Built using big data analytics, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence, MDT is positioned as a smart trade platform and a major support system for Malaysia’s halal industry. The virtual International Sourcing Programme (INSP), held alongside MIHAS 2025, has also utilised MDT and will run until November 2025.
Amid a changing global trade landscape, MATRADE remains committed to supporting businesses through digital transformation. “The MDT platform represents a key milestone in equipping Malaysian companies for success in the digital economy and reinforcing Malaysia’s role in global trade,” it concluded.
