KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 6 — The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) has been shortlisted for the World Trade Promotion Organisation (WTPO) Awards 2020 by the Geneva-based International Trade Centre (ITC), a joint agency of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the United Nations.
In a statement today, Matrade said the corporation is among six finalists nominated under the “Best Use of Information Technology” category for its MyExport online service, an intelligence platform which allows subscribers to access real-time key trade information and market intelligence.
“This trade intelligence is updated daily by the 46 Matrade trade commissioner offices across the globe,” it said.
Trade promotion organisations (TPOs) from China, Portugal, Brazil, Georgia and the United Arab Emirates have also been nominated under the same category.
Matrade chief executive officer Datuk Wan Latiff Wan Musa said being shortlisted as a finalist reflects the international recognition of Matrade’s effort in developing innovative and effective programmes to assist Malaysian exporters, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
“Matrade has leveraged various digital platforms in undertaking export promotions and development initiatives.
“By participating in the WTPO Awards 2020, Matrade is able to showcase how digital platforms can help Malaysian exporters to withstand the Covid-19 pandemic challenges and continue to stay connected with their business partners around the world,” he said.
The awards focus on the outstanding performance of TPO’s practices in delivering export development initiatives, aimed at building capabilities of exporting enterprises to enhance competitiveness and internationalisation of SMEs.
This year, the ITC received 60 applications for the WTPO Awards, which is open to all national trade promotion organisations.
This marks the highest number of applications since the awards were created in 2004.
Other categories include “Best Use of Partnerships” and “Best Initiative to Ensure that Trade is Inclusive and Sustainable”.
The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony, organised by the ITC, in Geneva, Switzerland on October 14.
— Bernama
