4000 Malaysian companies have expanded globally with government-backed MADANI Digital Trade (MDT) platform, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) said Thursday.

The national trade promotion agency said in a statement that the Malaysian government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the country’s competitiveness in the global marketplace by urging local companies to adopt digital tools in conducting trade and export.

Its Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has also reiterated earlier the importance of the MADANI Digital Trade (MDT) platform in strengthening Malaysia’s competitiveness in the global marketplace.

He emphasized that MDT will serve as an essential enabler for trade digitalization, small medium enterprise (SME) empowerment and enhanced integration into global supply chains, reflecting the Government’s aspiration to uplift businesses through innovation and digital connectivity.

Digitalization helps businesses improve operational efficiency, reach new markets and unlock opportunities across the digital economy and international trade, MATRADE highlighted.

Since its launch, MDT has seen strong adoption and measurable outcomes with nearly 4,000 Malaysian companies have onboarded the platform.

To support this shift, MIHAS 2025 has fully leveraged the MDT platform that optimizes cross-border business matching for 600 Malaysian Halal exporters, including micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with 300 international buyers.

Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) in the country, also highlighted that MDT would be a catalyst for trade facilitation. He noted that the platform will streamline export processes, reduce costs, and promote inclusivity for SMEs in the international arena.

According to the statement, MDT assumes a role in facilitating, modernizing and digitalizing cross-border trade processes so that goods and services can move faster, more cost-effectively and efficiently.

The platform also provides access to key trade facilitation such as customs declarations for imports, exports and e-Commerce transactions, thereby enhancing compliance and streamlining trade operations.

MATRADE, as lead agency, said it will work closely with relevant government agencies, including the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD) as well as Malaysia’s trade ecosystem partners through digital transformation across logistics, insurance and finance.

It noted RMCD plays a crucial role in facilitating seamless trade processes by integrating digital solutions into customs operations, reducing inefficiencies and improving the overall trade facilitation framework.

This initiative not only strengthens Malaysia’s position in international trade but also promotes economic growth by fostering a more transparent, efficient, and technology-driven trade environment.

MATRADE said a priority for MDT is to empower MSMEs with digital tools and resources to speed up their readiness for cross-border trade.

With intelligent business matching and trade facilitation services, it opined that MSMEs can take part more actively in international markets and integrate into global supply chains.

Built on big data analytics, cloud computing and artificial intelligence, MDT is also positioned to become an intelligent trade platform and a major support for Malaysia’s Halal industry.

The virtual International Sourcing Program (INSP) in conjunction with MIHAS, has also utilized MDT and will run until November 2025.

As Malaysia navigates a changing global trade landscape, MATRADE said remains committed to supporting businesses in their digital transformation.

The MADANI Digital Trade platform marks an important milestone to ensure Malaysian companies are equipped to succeed in the digital economy and to reinforce Malaysia’s position in global trade, it added.

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