Malaysia is setting its sights high on the global trade stage, with the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) gunning for over RM1.7 trillion in exports for 2025.
Chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican revealed that the push toward this ambitious target will be fuelled by tapping into new and fast-growing markets—particularly in Africa. Countries like Egypt, Libya, and Botswana, he said, offer fresh trade potential for Malaysian exporters looking beyond traditional partners.
“There’s immense untapped opportunity. Africa’s population has ballooned from around 800 million a decade ago to nearly 1.4 billion today. That signals growing demand, rising economies, and markets ready for Malaysian goods,” Reezal said during a Ramadan charity event in Kepala Batas.
He emphasised that venturing into emerging markets is a key part of Malaysia’s strategy to secure sustainable trade growth amid global uncertainties—including rising geopolitical tensions and the ongoing US-China trade war.
“Malaysia may be a small nation, but we punch above our weight in exports—especially in high-demand sectors like electrical and electronics, and semiconductors. With fresh strategies now being deployed by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, we’re aiming for stronger global positioning,” he added.
Earlier this year, Reezal announced that Malaysia closed 2024 with a record-breaking trade value of RM2.88 trillion—up 9.2% from the previous year. Export performance played a significant role, climbing 5.7% to RM1.508 trillion. It marked only the second time exports breached the RM1.5 trillion threshold, the first being in 2022.
With global dynamics shifting and new opportunities on the horizon, Matrade’s RM1.7 trillion export target is more than a figure—it’s a statement of intent.
