TUESDAY 18 MARCH 2025, MANILA: The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) Manila is set to strengthen Malaysia-Philippines trade relations in 2025 with a series of impactful trade initiatives. As Malaysia assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship this year, these programs aim to boost bilateral trade, enhance market access for Malaysian businesses, and support Philippine enterprises in tapping into Malaysia’s dynamic economy. MATRADE Manila is Malaysia’s national trade promotion agency under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI).

According to Trade Attaché, Ms Intan Zalani who also heads MATRADE Manila office in the Philippines, this year MATRADE will continue to focus on sectors such as halal, ICT and digitalization as well as construction and business services. “MATRADE Manila remains dedicated to strengthening Malaysian businesses’ presence in the Philippines’ market while creating opportunities for Philippine businesses to expand in Malaysia”, she said.

This year, MATRADE will organize the 21st edition of the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS), the world’s leading Halal trade event, in Kuala Lumpur from 17 to 20 September 2025. MIHAS 2025 will highlight 14 Halal clusters, including food & beverages, financial services, cosmetics, e-commerce, tourism, education, and logistics. MATRADE Manila welcomes Philippine companies interested in expanding their presence in the Halal market through MIHAS. Additionally, MATRADE Manila is actively recruiting Philippine buyers for the International Sourcing Program (INSP), which facilitates one-on-one business matching with Malaysian suppliers.

In 2024, with support from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), 20 Philippine Halal exporters participated under the Philippine Pavilion at MIHAS, generating USD 7.9 million in sales.

Beyond MIHAS, MATRADE Manila is also coordinating the participation of 10 Malaysian companies in the 16th Philippine SME Business Expo through Malaysia Pavilion which will be held from 9 – 10 May 2025 in SMX Convention Centre. The event will feature Malaysian companies in multiple sectors including food & beverages and ICT. The premier event which is designed for SMEs, startups and entrepreneurs who are looking to explore various business solutions and opportunities will serve as a great platform for Malaysia to highlight the wide variety of high-quality products and services to the Philippines’ market.

Recently, MATRADE Manila also facilitated the Roundtable Discussion on Halal Industry which was held back on 26 February 2025 at the Embassy of Malaysia in Manila. The roundtable served as a platform to explore opportunities for collaboration, discuss industry challenges, and identify strategies to enhance Malaysia-Philippines cooperation in the Halal sector and has brought together key stakeholders from government agencies, private sector representatives, Halal certification bodies, and trade associations.

Ambassador of Malaysia to the Philippines, H.E. Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino who gave the opening remarks during the event said “As we explore key opportunities in halal certification, trade, investment, and capacity building, it is equally important to address challenges and policy frameworks that can drive industry growth. Digitalization, innovation, and sustainability for example are transforming the halal economy, creating new avenues for businesses and enhancing global competitiveness. By fostering deeper cooperation, Malaysia and the Philippines can position themselves as key players in the expanding halal market, ensuring inclusive and sustainable development for both nations and the broader ASEAN region”.

In the construction sector, during Worldbex 2025 which was held in Manila between 13 to 16 March 2025, a total of 6 Malaysian companies also participated in the event. The event provided an excellent platform for Malaysian businesses to showcase their products, explore strategic partnerships, and strengthen trade ties with industry leaders in the Philippines.

Trade between Malaysia and the Philippines reached USD 8.35 billion in 2024, marking a 5.5% increase from the previous year. Malaysian exports to the Philippines grew by 5% to USD 6.08 billion, while imports from the Philippines to Malaysia rose by 6.8% to USD2.27 billion. Key Malaysian exports to the Philippines include petroleum products, electrical and electronic goods, palm oil products, chemicals, and processed food.

MATRADE Manila remains committed to enhancing Malaysia’s footprint in the Philippine market while facilitating Philippine businesses’ expansion into Malaysia and beyond. Through these strategic initiatives, MATRADE aims to drive sustainable economic growth, foster knowledge exchange, and support businesses in navigating the evolving global trade landscape

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