Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), the national trade promotion agency under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) Malaysia has officially launched the Malaysia Pavilion during the Philippine SME (PhilSME) Expo 2025 at SMX Convention Centre Manila. The Pavilion which was launched by the Ambassador of Malaysia to the Philippines, Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino saw the participation of 10 Malaysian companies representing high-potential sectors from halal-certified food and beverages to digital solutions.
According to Ms Intan Zalani who is heading MATRADE Manila, “We believe that closer collaboration between Malaysian and Filipino enterprises will unlock new business opportunities, drive market expansion, and enhance supply chain integration across ASEAN.” The Malaysian exihibitors who participated in the expo were from diverse sectors including Auto Count Sdn Bhd who developed accounting software; Nims Adeliciousz Sdn Bhd who manufacture chocolate cereal products; Coherentplus Sdn Bhd who provide cutting edge payment solutions and payment readers; Phitomas Sdn Bhd who specialise in automation and cloud technology services as well as Visual Solutions (M) Sdn Bhd who provide accounting and business software solutions.
PhilSME Expo is currently held from 9 – 10 May 2025 in SMX. For the Malaysia Pavilion among the highlights include business matching sessions with Philippine counterparts; live product and technology demonstrations as well as panellist session on Doing Business with Malaysia which feature Malaysian companies who are looking to expand into the Philippines.
The Ambassador of Malaysia to the Philippines who gave his keynote speech during the launching of PhilSME Expo said that this is the first time that Malaysia is participating as a country pavilion in this event. He added that, “ASEAN as a region holds tremendous potential. With a combined GDP of USD 3.8 trillion and a population exceeding 660 million, ASEAN is the fifth-largest economy in the world. By 2030, ASEAN is setting its sights on becoming the world’s fourth-largest economy, as the region strengthens trade, investment and economic partnerships amid intensifying global competition. With Malaysia being the Chair of ASEAN this year, we are committed in strengthening economic integration, supporting digital transformation and driving inclusive growth, particularly by empowering MSMEs.”
From January – December 2024, total trade between Malaysia and the Philippines were valued at USD8.35 billion increased by 5.5 percent compared to the previous year. Exports from Malaysia to the Philippines increased by 5 percent to USD6.08 billion, while imports from the Philippines also increased by 6.8 percent to USD2.27 billion. Major exports from Malaysia to the Philippines were petroleum products, electrical & electronic products, palm oil & palm oil-based products, chemical & chemical products and processed food. Meanwhile, the Philippines are exporting electrical & electronic products, vegetable oil, machinery, equipment and parts, manufactures of metal as well as natural rubber to Malaysia.
Philippines’ companies who are looking to source for Malaysian products and services can connect with MATRADE Manila at manila@matrade.gov.my to receive the latest market updates and information on business opportunities.