The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and DHL Express have renewed their strategic partnership to strengthen the export capabilities of Malaysian micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), reinforcing efforts to help local businesses navigate an increasingly complex global trade landscape.
The two organisations recently signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to extend their collaboration, focusing on equipping Malaysian exporters with the knowledge, skills and resources needed to overcome market barriers, diversify into new markets and compete more effectively on the international stage.
Building Stronger Export-Ready Businesses
Under the renewed partnership, companies registered with MATRADE will continue to benefit from the Trade and Grow Beyond Borders programme, an initiative that combines online learning modules with face-to-face workshops designed to enhance export readiness.
Delivered by DHL Express’ international specialists alongside industry partners, the programme covers a wide range of topics essential for global business expansion, including e-commerce, international logistics, customs compliance, financing, marketing and sustainable business growth.
The training aims to provide practical guidance for Malaysian entrepreneurs operating in an increasingly challenging trade environment characterised by geopolitical uncertainty, supply chain disruptions and evolving international regulations.
Supporting Malaysia’s Export Diversification Strategy
The collaboration aligns closely with MATRADE’s 2026 roadmap, which prioritises expanding Malaysian exports beyond traditional markets into high-growth regions such as ASEAN, South Asia, Central Asia and Africa.
The renewed focus on market diversification comes as exporters face shifting global trade dynamics, including changing United States tariff policies, declining trade with West Asia due to ongoing regional conflicts, and rising freight costs that continue to affect international competitiveness.
According to Dato’ Abu Bakar Yusof, Chief Executive Officer of MATRADE, strengthening MSME capabilities has become more important than ever.
“Enhancing MSME capability and integration into global value chains is central to MATRADE’s mission, and that mission has never been more urgent,” he said.
He noted that Malaysian exporters are operating under increasingly difficult conditions, from evolving tariff policies and supply chain disruptions to heightened freight risks.
“The renewed collaboration with DHL equips our home-grown enterprises with precisely the knowledge and confidence they need to navigate these pressures and seize new opportunities in markets actively welcoming Malaysian goods and services. This is how we build Malaysian brands that do not merely survive disruption, but grow through it,” he added.
A Partnership Delivering Measurable Results
The new agreement builds upon the success of the initial partnership established in November 2022.
Since then, the Trade and Grow Beyond Borders programme has attracted nearly 700 participants through training sessions held across Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Johor, Penang, Kedah, Pahang, Sabah and Sarawak.
Beyond training, seven Malaysian MSMEs were selected to participate in the DHL GoTrade GBSN Fellowship, where they were paired with postgraduate students from the Global Business School Network to receive mentoring and collaborative learning opportunities.
The partnership also culminated in the DHL GoTrade Summit 2025, hosted jointly by MATRADE and DHL. The event marked the first time the global summit was held outside Germany and coincided with Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship.
Public-Private Collaboration Driving Export Growth
Julian Neo, Managing Director of DHL Express Malaysia and Brunei, said the partnership demonstrates how collaboration between the public and private sectors can strengthen Malaysia’s export ecosystem.
“As a facilitator of global trade, we have extensive experience in connecting businesses to customers and communities worldwide,” he said.
“Sharing this expertise with MSMEs to help amplify their commercial reach represents one of the many ways we contribute to inclusive economic prosperity and equity. Our longstanding relationship with MATRADE demonstrates the power of public-private cooperation in advancing this mandate.”
Preparing MSMEs for Global Opportunities
The Trade and Grow Beyond Borders initiative is conducted under DHL GoTrade, one of DHL Group’s global social impact programmes designed to reduce barriers to international trade and empower MSMEs to participate in cross-border commerce by leveraging DHL’s global expertise and resources.
As Malaysian businesses continue adapting to an evolving international trading environment, initiatives such as this are expected to play an increasingly important role in helping exporters build resilience, improve competitiveness and access new overseas markets.
The partnership also reflects the shared commitment of MATRADE and DHL Express to supporting Malaysia’s export ambitions while enabling local MSMEs to establish a stronger presence in global value chains.
The next DHL GoTrade Summit is scheduled to take place in Manila, Philippines, on 6 October 2026, where businesses and industry leaders will continue discussions on expanding international trade opportunities and strengthening global business connectivity.
