MATRADE, DHL Renew Partnership to Help Malaysian MSMEs Build Export Resilience
Malaysian businesses are expected to benefit from enhanced export training and international logistics support following the renewal of the strategic partnership between MATRADE and DHL Express.
KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and DHL Express have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), extending a collaboration aimed at helping Malaysian MSMEs become more competitive and resilient as global trade faces mounting geopolitical and supply chain challenges.
The renewed partnership builds on an agreement first signed in 2022 and continues the Trade and Grow Beyond Borders programme, which provides exporters with practical knowledge on international expansion through a combination of online learning and face to face workshops. The programme covers key areas including ecommerce, financing, international marketing, logistics, customs compliance and sustainable business growth.
The initiative aligns with MATRADE's broader strategy to diversify Malaysia's export markets beyond traditional destinations by encouraging companies to pursue opportunities across ASEAN, South Asia, Central Asia and Africa. The move comes as exporters continue to adapt to shifting tariff regimes, higher logistics costs and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty affecting global supply chains.
The MoU was signed by MATRADE Chief Executive Officer Dato' Abu Bakar Yusof and DHL Express Malaysia and Brunei Managing Director Julian Neo.
Abu Bakar said strengthening MSME participation in global value chains has become increasingly important as exporters face evolving tariff policies, supply chain disruptions and higher freight costs. He said Malaysian businesses must become more diversified and resilient to remain competitive in international markets, with the renewed partnership providing exporters with the practical knowledge needed to seize new opportunities.
Julian Neo said DHL's global trade experience enables the company to help local businesses connect with international customers while contributing to more inclusive economic growth. He said the partnership demonstrates how collaboration between the public and private sectors can improve the competitiveness of Malaysian exporters.
Since the partnership began in 2022, almost 700 participants from Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Johor, Penang, Kedah, Pahang, Sabah and Sarawak have completed training under the programme. Seven Malaysian MSMEs also participated in the DHL GoTrade GBSN Fellowship, where they were paired with postgraduate students from the Global Business School Network to receive mentoring and international business exposure. The collaboration also saw Malaysia host the DHL GoTrade Summit 2025, marking the first time the global event was held outside Germany during Malaysia's ASEAN chairmanship.
The Trade and Grow Beyond Borders programme forms part of DHL Group's GoTrade social impact initiative, which aims to reduce barriers to international trade and enable MSMEs to expand through cross border commerce. The 2026 DHL GoTrade Summit is scheduled to take place in Manila, Philippines, in October.
For MATRADE, the renewed collaboration supports its wider 2026 roadmap, which focuses on strengthening export readiness, expanding into high growth markets and building long term resilience among Malaysian exporters as the country seeks to increase its presence in global trade.
