Wave it high: Reezal Merican (with cap) and Mohd Mustafa (second from left) waving the Jalur Gemilang with Matrade staff during the celebration. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Even as the world is hit by unpredictable events and geopolitical conflicts, Malaysia will stay resilient to weather the difficulties as the country aspires to exceed over RM1 trillion in exports by next year, says Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican.
Matrade, he said, will look at new strategies, developments and changes in terms of policy or government to overcome challenges ahead.
Through its 49 offices abroad, Matrade will look at the relevant variables to ensure Malaysia’s competitiveness internationally in its bid to achieve the RM1.73 trillion export target by the end of next year, he added.
“Challenges remain dynamic and come in many forms. Some ... are forecasted but there are also unforeseen circumstances, like the current conflict in the Middle East and the geopolitical developments as well as the piracy activities in the Red Sea.
“When something different happens, you get a different type of challenge. So the Matrade staff will take on the challenges together to ensure our country can achieve RM1.73 trillion by the end of 2025.
“We have already set the bar for ourselves when we surpassed RM1 trillion in trade over the past three years. Now, we want to go higher with our next target for manufacturing, goods, products and services,” he said at Menara Matrade here yesterday.
Reezal was speaking to reporters at Matrade’s National Day celebration, which was also held to galvanise Malaysian support for the national athletes competing at the ongoing Olympics in Paris.
Many of the athletes, he added, were under his care during his tenure as youth and sports minister.
“For this event, firstly it is to celebrate Merdeka and then, our athletes.
“By looking at their achievements and even the setbacks, I hope it can ignite the fighting spirit in them, as well as in those with Matrade especially, to fight on,” said the Bertam assemblyman.
Also present at the celebration was Matrade chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz.
