Kuala Lumpur: The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) has set an ambitious target to boost the nation’s export value of goods by five percent, aiming to reach RM1.58 trillion by the year 2025.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican revealed that this new target was communicated by Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz. This follows MATRADE’s achievement last year, where the agency surpassed its export value goal, reaching RM1.5 trillion.

Reezal Merican expressed satisfaction with the progress, stating, “Alhamdulillah, by the end of 2024, we have managed to record RM1.51 trillion, an increase of approximately RM10 billion from the actual target. This is yet another amazing success.” He also addressed forthcoming challenges, highlighting geopolitical tensions and the escalating technology war as potential hurdles for 2025.

In response to these challenges, Reezal Merican emphasized the importance of adapting strategies to align with global economic shifts, particularly decisions made by the United States. “In 2025, we need to see what is happening in the US, what decisions are being made in the US, (so) we need to craft new strategies,” he stated. He also mentioned that the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry is actively engaged in discussions to address these issues.