Seoul: The Malaysian delegation has secured export prospects of RM160 million at the recently concluded Korea Import Expo (KIE) 2026, outperforming the initial target of RM120 million, said the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, MATRADE stated that the Malaysia Pavilion, coordinated by the agency, served as the primary commercial hub for 17 high-potential Malaysian companies, including 10 under Majlis Amanah Rakyat's (MARA) Gate to Global programme. This initiative marked a significant milestone in strengthening trade relations between Malaysia and South Korea.
MATRADE highlighted a strategic partnership with MARA established through a memorandum of understanding signed on November 6, 2025. Since then, both entities have engaged in a series of joint initiatives aimed at boosting Malaysia's export potential and enhancing the visibility of its products in global markets.
MATRADE's chief executive officer, Abu Bakar Yusof, emphasized that the exceptional trade leads secured at KIE 2026, held from June 23-25 at the COEX in Seoul, underscored the strong appeal of Malaysian products in the South Korean market. This achievement reaffirms the ability of Malaysian exporters to meet the high standards demanded by South Korean consumers.
Abu Bakar noted that South Korea's private domestic consumption expenditure, forecasted at nearly US$924.1 billion (US$1=RM4.06) in 2026, presents promising opportunities for Malaysian products. He asserted that MATRADE's strategic, multi-channel promotional approach has successfully connected Malaysian exporters with top-tier South Korean buyers, transforming product interest into measurable business outcomes.
Furthermore, he added that this accomplishment strengthens Malaysia's commercial footprint in Northeast Asia, positioning Malaysian exporters to fully capitalize on the preferential market access provided by free trade agreements such as the ASEAN-Korea FTA and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement.