KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia External Trade Development Corp (Matrade) has welcomed the RM60 million allocation under the 2027 Budget to strengthen micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and expand their participation in export markets.
The fund is expected to benefit more than 3,500 companies, including 60 Bumiputera companies nationwide, including those in Sabah and Sarawak.
Matrade chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said the allocation would reinforce confidence in the agency's role in advancing Malaysia's export agenda.
"Malaysia's double-digit export growth for the first eight months of this year reflects Malaysia's resilience amidst geopolitical uncertainties and global supply chain disruptions," he said in a statement.
He said Matrade's strategic focus was now on increasing MSMEs' participation in Malaysia's export market.
"We must elevate MSMEs as the backbone and main driver of the nation's economy, as their every success on the global stage will bring a direct spillover effect to the economic prosperity of the people," he said.
Matrade targets RM12 billion in export sales through 200 export development and promotion activities in 2027.
Malaysia's total trade reached RM2.5 trillion in the first eight months of 2026, with exports rising 31.2 per cent to RM1.36 trillion.
Matrade said it would continue implementing export strategies focusing on market diversification, halal products, services and digitalisation through the Madani Digital Trade Platform.
As of September, 10,300 MSMEs were registered with Matrade. The agency would also support MSME export development through the Matrade Academy and National Trade Blueprint.
Matrade also welcomed other budget measures supporting MSME exports, including RM1 billion in export financing by Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Bhd and an additional RM5 billion in financing by Bank Negara Malaysia to assist SMEs affected by the conflict in the Middle East.
Other measures include RM10 million for Jom Malaysia to bring rural products and high-value services to digital platforms and foreign markets, alongside RM3 billion allocated to Human Resource Development Corp for three million skills training opportunities.
Matrade said it hoped to collaborate with relevant agencies to strengthen MSME capabilities and expand exports through programmes such as eBizLink and the Matrade Academy.
It also welcomed the extension of tax incentives for international trade exhibitions until the year of assessment 2030, which is expected to encourage greater MSME participation in international trade promotion activities.
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