KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 22 — The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) expects the government, in the 2014 Budget, to continue supporting local entrepreneurs and companies in internationalising their products.

Senior Director Strategic Planning Division Susila Devi said trade was important to the economy and the government would continue to help Matrade provide business opportunities for Malaysian companies.

“The government should (continue) support us, as we facilitate small-and-medium entrepreneurs (SMEs), provide incentives (to them), opportunities and organise programmes.

“Basically, we are running programmes for them that they can ride on. So, I am hoping and confident of continued government support,” she told a press conference on the sidelines of the seminar on “Opportunities in Europe: Insight Into Europe-Your Next Big Leap” today.

Susila also encouraged local entrepreneurs and companies to grab opportunities provided by the government and facilitated by Matrade in expanding their businesses.

Matrade, an external trade promotion arm of the International Trade and Industry Ministry, organises seminars and workshops to guide new exporters and update existing exporters on trade developments and business opportunities in international markets.

Other than developing overseas markets for Malaysian products and services, Matrade also implements training programmes to enhance awareness among the local business community about export opportunities, as well as develops export marketing skills. — Bernama