KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will be showcasing its dynamic rail industry and innovations at the upcoming InnoTrans 2024, the
leading trade fair for transport technology in Germany.
InnoTrans 2024, which is scheduled to be held from September 24 to 27 in Berlin, brings together industry leaders, innovators and stakeholders to explore the latest trends and developments in rail transport.
Malaysia’s participation is organised by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade).
“The event will allow us to highlight our expertise in the rail industry, particularly in technological innovation, sustainable solutions, rolling stock, digital solutions and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services.
“Matrade is poised to demonstrate our commitment in driving the technological advancements and sustainable solutions in
the global rail sector by sending a strong delegation that includes the key players in the industry, government agencies and trade associations,” Matrade deputy chief executive officer (export acceleration) Abu Bakar Yusof said in a statement.
He said one of the distinguishing features of Malaysia’s rail industry is its emphasis on sustainability.
He said that embracing green technologies and implementing eco-friendly practices highlights Malaysia’s commitment as a nation poised to become among the regional and global leaders in railway infrastructure development.
“These efforts align with Matrade’s initiative in facilitating Malaysian exporters to embrace and adopt sustainability and eventually contribute to global efforts to combat climate change,” said Abu Bakar.
German railway sector presents significant opportunities for Malaysian firms, particularly in the domains of power supply, signalling technology, rolling stock, track technology, MRO services, and re-manufacturing activities.
In 2023, Malaysia’s total trade to the German market stood at RM47.8 million, an increase of 25 per cent from the previous year.
Matrade Frankfurt trade commissioner Mohamad Termizi Piee highlighted
the potential for Malaysian businesses in the German rail market, which the country is currently working towards its ambitious targets for its railway system for the year 2030, aimed at modernising infrastructure, improving services, and promoting sustainability.
He noted that the significant expenditures made recently in equipment and infrastructure were credited with this growth.
“Market growth prospects are significant, fuelled by a growing demand for rail services due to a push for eco-friendly transport, infrastructure improvements and new technologies, with the global rail transport market expected to reach RM3.1
trillion by 2030,” he added.
Overall, Malaysia’s global trade in the rail sector continued its upward trend in 2023, with a double-digit increase of 14.3 per cent to reach RM1.3 billion.
Matrade intends to increase exports of rail products and services to capitalise on the resurgent global trend towards rail transportation in the post-pandemic era.
Within the same year, Malaysian rail exports globally totalled RM547.2 million, with the top five destinations, namely Singapore, China, Taiwan, the United States, and Hong Kong.
Major export products include cargo containers, rolling stock, railway parts and signalling devices.
InnoTrans is the leading international trade fair for transport technology, covering all aspects of rail transport, from infrastructure to rolling stock, signalling systems and digitalisation solutions.
InnoTrans attracts industry professionals, exhibitors and visitors from around the world.
This event presents a valuable platform for Malaysian rail companies to highlight their advancement in rail technology, sustainability and industry collaboration.
Matrade invites Malaysian companies and related organisations in the rail industry to join Malaysian Pavilion at InnoTrans 2024 where the agency will host business-to-business (B2B) meetings and memorandum of understanding (MoU) signings, showcasing Malaysia as a reliable international partner in rail engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning.
