Kuala Lumpur, 22 Feb 2024 – SME Bank, a leading Malaysian development financial institution (DFI) in fostering entrepreneurial growth, has set up 11 Malaysian SMEs to explore export opportunities at Gulfood in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) this week.  Recognised as one of the world's largest annual food and beverage (F&B) trade fairs, Gulfood presents a strategic platform for Malaysian entrepreneurs to showcase their products on the global stage.

SME Bank Group President/Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Wira (Dr.) Aria Putera Ismail said: “We are honoured to be able to take our entrepreneurs to Gulfood once again as participants of the Business Exports Programme (BEP) as well as the Market Access Incentive (MASSIVE) programme, initiatives under the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development (MECD), led by SME Bank in collaboration with Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE). This marks the third consecutive year SME Bank has brought participants to Gulfood under these programmes, which has expanded business opportunities for Malaysian entrepreneurs, particularly in the halal sector within the international market. It is worth noting that our 2023 Gulfood participants successfully generated actual sales of RM6.35 million and we anticipate further growth in the coming years.”

The week-long event witnessed significant milestones, including the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between Tishas Food Manufacturing Sdn Bhd and Happymarket Trading Co. Pte. Ltd Maldives, as well as between Syilis Food Manufacturing Sdn Bhd and Imperia Asia F&B Trading Co. LLC; the two Malaysian-registered entities being the existing clients of SME Bank. In addition, Syillis Food Manufacturing Sdn Bhd - together with two (2) other participating companies - Syed Food Industries Sdn Bhd and Skinny Bakers Group Sdn Bhd, all unveiled new products namely Chilli Oil, Musang King Green Bean Durian Dessert, Chicken Mandy Rice and Kuih Bakar Cookies.

“The introduction of these innovative Malaysian products reflects the ingenuity and dynamic expertise of our SMEs, blending tradition and innovation for global market consumption. As a an agency of MECD and a key player in the SME growth space, SME Bank will continue to holistically support SMEs not only through capacity building programmes and financial assistance, but also by providing optimal platforms to enhance their brand recognition, foster business networks with industry leaders, and forge valuable trade partnerships with buyers, importers and potential investors,” added Datuk Wira Aria.

SME Bank has successfully onboarded a total of 62 companies since the initiation of the BEP programme in 2020. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic at the time, the BEP programme participants generated an impressive RM150.48 million in export sales, showcasing SME Bank's dedication as a partner for economic growth through international trade. Explore more about SME Bank's initiatives at www.smebank.com.my, SME Bank Facebook, or contact SME Bank's Customer Contact Centre at 603-26037700.