MATRADE Bridges Markets and Cultures at The Third Country Training Programme

KUALA LUMPUR, October 13, 2025 -- The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) once again assumes the role of a Training Institution for the Third Country Training Programme (TCTP) 2025: Trade Promotion for African Countries from 8 to 15 October 2025. This year marks the ninth time since 2013, that MATRADE has been involved in TCTP as a Training Institution.

The programme, which provides significant training and facilitation for the exchange of valuable knowledge in trade and export promotions, is a tripartite cooperation between MATRADE, Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) - a unit under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

TCTP is an initiative of the South-South Cooperation, a technical cooperation for knowledge sharing among developing countries. Participants were selected from key export-oriented African nations namely Algeria, Burkina Faso, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. Two observers from The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), were also present to contribute to the overall learning experience.

MATRADE’s transformational initiatives have positioned the national trade promotion agency as an ideal organisation to serve as a Training Institution, setting the benchmark as a role model for its counterparts from the African continent.

The 8-day programme comprises a seminar entitled Emerging Africa: Tapping into Growth and Opportunities, briefings and industrial visits, emphasising areas such as trade, investment, and sharing sessions by Malaysian industry players in the oil & gas, transport and logistic, renewable energy services, food and beverages, road construction and halal sectors.

Dato’ Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, the Chairman of MATRADE, emphasises the importance of Africa as a continent, stating that these emerging markets should not be neglected as they provide vast opportunities for Malaysia’s exports.

According to him, "TCTP 2025 will make a profound impact on all participants, from the seamless selection process to the engaging sessions and invaluable networking opportunities, MATRADE's organisation of TCTP is a testament to our ability to deliver a world-class experience to all participants”. Dato’ Seri Reezal Merican added that the programme had not only facilitated valuable business connections but also spotlighted Malaysia's pivotal role as a global trade and investment hub.

For the period of five years since 2020, Malaysia’s trade with Africa was cumulatively valued at RM258.6 billion. Exports were valued at RM154.4 billion, with major export products comprising palm oil & palm oil-based agriculture products, petroleum products, processed food, electrical & electronic products as well as palm oil-based manufactured products.

To strengthen Malaysia’s presence and expand our market share across the African continent, MATRADE has intensified its export promotion programmes this year. The Agency has facilitated the participation of Malaysian companies in the Egypt Energy Expo, alongside a series of export acceleration missions led by its Chairman to Egypt, Libya, South Africa and Kenya. These initiatives aim to enhance business linkages, open new opportunities for Malaysian exporters, and showcase Malaysia’s capabilities as a reliable trading partner in emerging African markets.

At the recent Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS), the participation of eight (8) African nations namely Nigeria, Algeria, Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, Egypt, Mali and Mauritius, highlighted the continent’s growing confidence in Malaysia’s globally recognised halal ecosystem. Representatives from these countries took part in both the exhibition and the International Sourcing Programme (INSP), exploring new opportunities for partnership and market expansion, reinforcing Malaysia’s leadership in driving the global halal economy.

MATRADE is expected to continue its role as a Training Institution to third countries in the future TCTPs.

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