DATUK SERI Reezal Merican Naina Merican will continue his role as the Chairman of the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) for an additional two years, starting April 18, 2025.
The announcement of the extension was made by Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, the Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry, during the launch of the MADANI Digital Trade (MDT) initiative at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) yesterday.
In a statement issued today, MATRADE highlighted that the extension of Reezal Merican's tenure is based on the remarkable achievements under his leadership since he was first appointed as chairman in April 2023.
"Under Reezal Merican’s leadership, MATRADE has successfully achieved significant milestones in boosting the country’s export value and strengthening Malaysia’s international competitiveness," it said.
MATRADE reported that in 2024, Malaysia's export value grew by 5.7%, reaching RM1.508 trillion, or 87.2% of the target set under the Mid-Term Review of the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK12).
Additionally, MATRADE credited Reezal Merican with contributing to the success of the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS), which gained global recognition.
"MIHAS 2023 set a Guinness World Record for the 'Largest Halal Trade Exhibition Attendance,' while MIHAS 2024 achieved the highest sales value in its history, amounting to RM4.3 billion—34% higher than the previous year," MATRADE added.
Reezal Merican also took an active role in leading the Export Acceleration Mission (EAM) to Egypt and Libya, which resulted in RM250 million in sales and created more opportunities for local exporters, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
The extension of his service is expected to further strengthen MATRADE's role in developing effective strategies to drive Malaysia's international trade growth. - March 14, 2025
