KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 2 — The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) expects the country’s trade surplus to grow by at least 15 to 20 per cent this year, compared with RM156.83 billion last year, said its chief executive officer Datuk Indera Abu Bakar Yusof.

He said higher exports, expansion into international markets and greater participation by micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) will drive growth.

The national trade promotion agency will also place special emphasis on raising local businesses’ contribution to exports, particularly MSMEs.

“Local companies’ greater participation in export markets can bring added value to the national economy by creating job opportunities for the local community,” he told Bernama after MATRADE Academy’s Strategic Networking Ceremony at Menara Matrade here today.