DHL EXPRESS AND MATRADE LAUNCH PROGRAM TO ENHANCE MSME EXPORT CAPABILITIES

• Both parties have signed an MOU to support Malaysian businesses in cross-border trade and develop the country’s trade ecosystem
• The new program includes training aimed at helping Malaysian businesses to expand globally

DHL Express, the world’s leading international express service provider, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE). Under the agreement, both parties will launch the ‘Trade and Grow Beyond Borders’ program in the first quarter of 2023 to develop and enhance export readiness among Malaysian businesses.

The new initiative serves as a platform to support local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to uncover latent foreign demand and tap into overseas markets. DHL Express’ international specialists and its network of industry partners will lead a series of modular training focused on globalization, from financing and marketing to logistics and e-commerce. It also aims to foster collaboration among the target audience and provide businesses with guidance.

The MOU was formalized today by Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz, Chief Executive Officer of MATRADE, and Julian Neo, Managing Director of DHL Express Malaysia and Brunei.

“At MATRADE, we strive to encourage more MSMEs to seize opportunities abroad and increase their export volume,” said Datuk Mohd Mustafa. “However, we acknowledge the challenges that come with taking their business across borders and understand how the right support can make all the difference to a company with an eye on international expansion. We can help them make that leap through our partnership with DHL.”

“Trade is a key driver of economic development and resilience, allowing MSMEs to scale up and futureproof their business,” said Julian. “We are delighted to work with MATRADE to cultivate a more positive global outlook among local entrepreneurs. This new program continues our efforts to mitigate export bottlenecks by leveraging public and private sector cooperation in addition to our expertise and capabilities. As facilitators of global trade, we can contribute to the success of local entrepreneurs.”

The program is open to participating companies of MATRADE’s Mid-Tier Companies Development Program (MTCDP), GlobPreneur Program, as well as Bumiputera, Women, and Youth Exporters Development Program (BWYEDP). There are plans to extend the scope to include other companies registered with MATRADE.

The MOU further provides a framework for both organizations to develop a sustainable and robust trade ecosystem. This includes collaboration in the fields of networking, capacity-building, leads and knowledge exchange and trade activities.

‘Trade and Grow Beyond Borders’ is organized as part of GoTrade, a social impact program of Deutsche Post DHL Group that assists export-led growth for small and medium-sized enterprises. The initiative equips business owners with practical knowledge and resources to navigate the complexities of shipping abroad and accessing foreign markets.