KUALA LUMPUR: The resilience and perseverance shown by Malaysian athletes at the 2024 Paris Olympics has inspired the Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) to boost the country’s export status on the global stage, says Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican.

The Matrade chairman said he hoped to see the same fighting spirit, resilience, and perseverance adopted within Matrade, especially in achieving the targeted export value of RM1.73 trillion in products and services by 2025.

Reezal Merican explained that to meet this target, everyone at Matrade, across all 49 offices worldwide, must face dynamic challenges such as unstable geopolitics in the Middle East, piracy in the Red Sea, forex fluctuations, and global business policy changes.

"I want to see these values inculcated because Matrade is the touchpoint for the country’s promotional export activities with the outside world.

"These are among efforts to restore the confidence of the global business community, especially investors, to see the country’s economy rebound to its previous peak," he said at the "Semarak Sokongan Team Malaysia di Olimpik Paris 2024" event and Matrade’s launch of the Merdeka Month Celebrations here on Wednesday (Aug 7).

During the event, everyone at the Matrade headquarters dressed in sports attire themed "Harimau Malaya" to show support for the 26 athletes of the Malaysian contingent who are carrying the country’s hopes at the 2024 Paris Olympics by singing patriotic songs and waving the Jalur Gemilang.

Reezal Merican noted that August this year would bring many meaningful memories as the nation watches its athletes compete for honours in Paris, further energising the Merdeka month celebrations.

"That is why Matrade is providing support with ‘shouts’ of Team MAS, Demi Malaysia, and Merdeka today, hoping it will serve as an inspiration that will remain intact in the heart and soul of every individual in Matrade.

"Because, in the journey of fulfilling the mandate vested upon Matrade, they too champion the challenges of the country, just like our athletes in the Paris Olympics," he said. – Bernama

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/08/07/m039sian-athletes039-resilience-at-paris-olympics-inspires-matrade039s-export-goals-says-reezal