Malaysia champions halal and digital trade at PhilSME Expo 2025

RECOGNIZING the opportunities in the halal industry and digitalization in the Philippines, the Embassy of Malaysia, through the Malaysia External Trade Development Corp. (Matrade), the national trade promotion agency under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) Malaysia is spearheading the participation of ten Malaysian companies in PhilSME Expo 2025. The Malaysian companies will be participating under the Malaysia Pavilion in the trade event from May 9 to 10, 2025, in SMX Convention Centre, Manila.

SHOWCASING MALAYSIA The Malaysia External Trade Development Corp. (Matrade), is spearheading the participation of ten Malaysian companies in PhilSME Expo 2025. IMAGE FROM MATRADE

To officially launch the Malaysia Pavilion during the Expo, a ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on May 9, 2025. Malaysian companies that will be featured at the Pavilion represent high-potential sectors from halal-certified food and beverages to digital solutions. These SMEs aim to establish business linkages, explore distributorships, and introduce Malaysian quality products and technologies to the Philippines market.

The Ambassador of Malaysia to the Philippines Dato' Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino said that, "With Malaysia being the Chair of Asean this year, our participation in PhilSME Expo 2025 is both timely and strategic as we lead efforts to advance regional cooperation and economic integration. This platform not only highlights the strength and innovation of Malaysian SMEs but also sets the stage for deeper Malaysia-Philippines business engagement. As the Philippines prepares to assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026, our collaboration here signals a shared vision of a more connected, resilient, and inclusive Asean economy."

Before the Expo, Matrade is also collaborating with Maybank Philippines to host the Malaysian companies on May 8 through Doing Business with Malaysia: Briefing and Business Matching Session, which aims to provide market insights, introduce Malaysian companies to potential Filipino partners, and facilitate B2B engagements ahead of the main exhibition. According to Intan Zalani, who is heading the Matrade Manila office, a total of 30 one-to-one business meetings have been arranged between Malaysian companies and the Philippines' partners. "We hope that these engagements will lead to meaningful business partnerships, fostering stronger trade relations and unlocking new growth opportunities for Malaysian SMEs in the Philippines," she added.

From January – December 2024, total trade between Malaysia and the Philippines was valued at USD8.35 billion, an increase of 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 and electronic products, palm oil and palm oil-based products, chemical and chemical products, and processed food. Meanwhile, the Philippines is exporting electrical and electronic products, vegetable oil, machinery, equipment, and parts, and manufacturers 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 [email protected] to receive the latest market updates and information on business opportunities.