Business

Published: Monday November 23, 2009 MYT 2:21:00 PM
Updated: Monday November 23, 2009 MYT 2:51:07 PM

INTRADE Malaysia 2009 rakes in RM4.22bil potential sales


KUALA LUMPUR: The recently concluded 3rd International Trade Malaysia Exhibition (INTRADE Malaysia 2009) raked in potential record sales of RM4.22 billion for Malaysian manufacturers and exporters.

It was the best result achieved since the INTRADE's inception in 2007.

Actual sales recorded amounted to RM417 million, almost double the value of the previous year, according to a statement from the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE).

The potential sales reported was based on feedback received from foreign buyers who participated in the two-day annual Incoming Buying Mission (IBM) programme, organised by MATRADE, concurrently with the exhibition from Nov 10-12.

According to MATRADE's chief executive officer Datuk Noharuddin Nordin, the potential sales of RM4.22 billion from INTRADE Malaysia 2009 was beyond the RM2 billion target set by the organisation for this year in view of the global economic slowdown.

He said the potential sales was also a significant increase of 61.5 per cent over the RM2.6 billion posted last year.

"The positive feedback from foreign buyers reaffirmed the importance of Malaysia as a reliable trading nation and being the regional hub to serve the needs of the global business community," he added.

According to Noharuddin, this bodes well for the country and should be a major boost in making Malaysian manufacturers and exporters understand that, opportunities abound despite the current economic sentiment.

Among the major sectors that recorded strong sales prospects were automotive parts and components, prepared food and beverages, palm oil products, toiletries, cosmetics and household products, building materials and rubber products, especially rubber gloves.

The top purchasing nations were Thailand, Korea, Vietnam, Hong Kong, China, Saudi Arabia and Australia.

A total of 867 Malaysian companies and exporters participated in the IBM programme with MATRADE organising more than 8,000 one-on-one business matching meetings with 609 foreign buyers from around the world.

INTRADE Malaysia 2009 attracted more than 340 exhibitors from 25 countries and recorded more than 7,000 local and international trade visitors. - Bernama

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