KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 17 — The International Sourcing Programme (INSP) aims to achieve RM2.5 billion in sales from more than 4,000 one-to-one business meetings at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec) today.
Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said the programme — held in conjunction with the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (Mihas) 2025 — connects 300 international buyers from 50 countries with 600 Malaysian exporters.
“This is not just about short-term deals but long-term partnerships in high-value markets. Buyers have been carefully vetted by Matrade commissioners worldwide to ensure the chances of mismatched meetings are low,” he told reporters.
Reezal Merican said the participation of premium buyers such as China’s JD.com and India’s Reliance Industries Ltd provides Malaysian exporters, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the chance to penetrate international retail networks.
“JD.com alone records annual sales of RM700 billion, and Reliance about RM500 billion. If Malaysian exporters are able to capture even one per cent of their combined market, the value would be significant,” he said.
He said Matrade ensures only export-ready companies participate in the programme.
“Some companies are capable producers but have been focused only on the domestic market. Once they are export-ready, Matrade serves as the gateway for them to enter the international stage,” he said.
In a separate statement, Matrade chief executive officer Datuk Seri Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz said the 4,000 meetings conducted today are aimed at creating sustainable trade partnerships rather than one-off transactions.
“One of the key strengths of INSP Mihas is Matrade’s ability to leverage our network of 48 overseas trade offices to curate and pre-qualify buyers, which ensures that the business meetings are highly targeted, connecting Malaysian companies with buyers who have genuine demand,” he said.
This year’s programme also introduced the artificial intelligence-powered Madani Digital Trade platform to match Malaysian exporters with international buyers using market data and business preferences.
The platform will continue to support the virtual component of INSP Mihas 2025 until November 5, enabling exporters and buyers to connect online beyond today’s physical session.
