MATRADE, AMAZON COLLABORATE TO ENHANCE CROSS-BORDER E-COMMERCE AMONG SMES

The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) will enhance cross-border e-commerce among small and medium enterprises by partnering Amazon in a programme that allows products to be sold internationally via Amazon's e-stores.

The year-long collaboration is in response to growing demand from Malaysian businesses, a joint statement said.

“The two parties will join hands to offer quarterly outreach events throughout 2024 to raise awareness of cross-border e-commerce and to help Malaysian brand owners while introducing Malaysian brands and products to customers in the US,” the joint statement said.

The programme, known as Amazon Global Selling, includes offline events in Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor Bahru with in-person workshops to provide insights and guidance to empower local entrepreneurs and to enhance online engagements with tailored training and content designed to equip Malaysian sellers.

“The course contents cover the end-to-end journey of an Amazon seller, including account registration, product preparation, compliance, listing, shipping and advertising,” the statement said.

MATRADE chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz said the collaboration aims to equip Malaysian SMEs with the knowledge and resources to expand their presence on Amazon's e-stores and grow their brands internationally.

"This initiative complements the MADANI Economy Framework, the National Trade Blueprint, and the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030 all of which underscore digitalisation and cross-border e-commerce as a fundamental catalyst in driving Malaysia's economic growth and resilience," he said.

The Access Partnership Report 2023 predicted Malaysia's e-commerce export value to surge 14% annually to reach an estimated RM36.2 billion by 2027.

Head of Amazon Global Selling in Southeast Asia Anand Palit said Malaysia's e-commerce export sector projections highlight much potential in the region.