KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian delegation has secured export prospects of RM160 million at the recently concluded Korea Import Expo (KIE) 2026, outperforming the initial target of RM120 million, said the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE).
MATRADE said the Malaysia Pavilion, coordinated by the agency, served as the primary commercial hub for 17 high-potential Malaysian companies, including 10 under Majlis Amanah Rakyat’s (MARA) Gate to Global programme.
It said that MATRADE has established a strategic partnership with MARA through a memorandum of understanding signed on Nov 6, 2025, and since then, a series of joint initiatives have been undertaken.
MATRADE chief executive officer Abu Bakar Yusof said the exceptional trade leads secured at KIE 2026, which was held from June 23-25, 2026, at the COEX, Seoul, underscored the strong appeal of Malaysian products in the South Korean market, reaffirming the ability of Malaysian exporters to meet the high standards of South Korean consumers.
"South Korea’s private domestic consumption expenditure, forecasted at nearly US$924.1 billion (US$1=RM4.06) in 2026, is a testament that the market offers promising opportunities for Malaysian products,” he said in a statement today.
Abu Bakar said MATRADE had successfully connected Malaysian exporters with top-tier South Korean buyers through its strategic, multi-channel promotional approach, transforming immense product interest into measurable business outcomes.
He added that the achievement strengthens its commercial footprint in Northeast Asia, positioning Malaysian exporters to fully capitalise on the preferential market access provided by free trade agreements (FTAs) such as the ASEAN-Korea FTA and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement. - Bernama
