KUANTAN: The second edition of Pahang Export Day 2026 today brought together nearly 70 entrepreneurs and companies -- specifically micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) -- from various industrial sectors in the state.
Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) chief executive officer Datuk Abu Bakar Yusof said local entrepreneurs have great potential to penetrate international markets through their diverse products.
He said that although most MSMEs in Pahang are in the food and beverage (F&B) sector, some also produce high value-added industrial products, including construction materials.
"For example, one of the award recipients at today’s event produces a silicone sealant product used in the construction industry.
"This shows that MSME products are not limited to F&B, but also encompass industrial products with high value-added,” he said during the event's press conference.
Abu Bakar said F&B entrepreneurs must also focus on research and development, innovation, and digitalisation to boost product value and competitiveness in the global market.
He said MATRADE, through the MATRADE Academy, will guide local entrepreneurs to enhance their products' value, including packaging, certification, and labelling, to meet international regulations and standards.
"What needs to be done is to ensure that the product has added value and appeal for global buyers and importers,” he said.
He said Pahang recorded a trade surplus of approximately RM5 billion to RM6 billion last year, and efforts to boost exports are expected to continue contributing to the state’s economic growth.
Meanwhile, Pahang Investment, Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation Committee chairman Datuk Mohamad Nizar Najib welcomed MATRADE’s initiative to help local entrepreneurs enhance their capabilities and competitiveness to penetrate international markets.
He said the state has an advantage in its transport and logistics network, which can open more opportunities for local exporters to expand their businesses internationally.
"The advantages include the development of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), which connects Kuantan Port with Port Klang, and is expected to enhance logistics capacity and open up access to global markets,” he said.
He said exporters can utilise Kuantan Port to ship products to markets in East Asia and North Asia, including China, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and Taiwan, while Phase 2 of the ECRL (Gombak-Port Klang) has the potential to facilitate the transport of goods to Port Klang for export to the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
Mohamad Nizar said the shipping sector at Kuantan Port also benefits exporters, following the commencement of operations by Konsortium Perkapalan Timur Sdn Bhd, which provides vehicle shipping services to Kuching using Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) vessels.
"This is still in the initial stage, and we hope the relevant shipping company will be able to expand its services to include container shipping, as well as open up more routes to other destinations, including China and ASEAN countries,” he said.
He said the service expansion could boost regional trade and give local entrepreneurs more logistics options to market their products abroad. - Bernama
