AS a leading agency tasked with developing and promoting Malaysia’s export to the world, the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) has vowed to highlight and boost Penang’s promising sectors in foreign markets.
Matrade Northern Region director Saudah Isa said the agency is now focused on raising the bar for businesses in the service sector in Penang, considering its overall contribution to the state’s economic growth.
“We all know that Penang is a manufacturing hub, and it houses top-tier multinational companies from across the globe. However, there is more to offer apart from this high-performing industry.
“The state is also an established and well-known tourism destination for both local and international visitors.
“Therefore, we hope to tap into this area (service) to showcase it on the international stage, and our market, for now, is countries in the Asean region,” Saudah said during a brief interview with Buletin Mutiara at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre in Bayan Baru today.
When asked to comment on the gold export prospects from Penang, Saudah said Penang undeniably plays a significant role in the gold export to neighbouring countries, such as China, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Singapore and beyond.
“The numbers are promising when we speak about the quantity of gold being exported from Penang, but there is always room for further improvement to ensure Penang becomes a major hub for sourcing gold and jewellery among key traders worldwide,” she added.
Matrade will be collaborating with the Province Wellesley (PW) Gold and Silver Ornament Merchants Association during the PW Gold and Silver (PWGS) Trade Fair 2024, which is scheduled to take place at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre from May 31 to June 2.
Saudah mentioned that Matrade will be organising the International Sourcing Programme (ISP), a platform where potential buyers are brought together for business-matching purposes with local companies at specific trade events.
Story and pix by Kevin Vimal