KUALA LUMPUR: Ten Malaysian companies will be taking part in InnoTrans 2024, the world's leading rail transport industry trade fair in Berlin, Germany, from Sept 24-27, 2024.
The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) said the companies will be showcasing their achievement in rail technology, sustainability and industry collaboration at the Malaysian pavilion, organised by the national trade promotion agency.
In a statement today, MATRADE's Export Acceleration deputy chief executive officer Abu Bakar Yusof called for more Malaysian companies to participate in the event.
He added that the agency is in the midst of discussions with several major European rail companies to explore opportunities for Malaysian companies to participate in their vast supply chain.
"This is consistent with the New Industrial Masterplan's (NIMP) objectives, which is to increase the country's economic complexity by bolstering the Malaysian rail industry's competitiveness through the transition to higher-value activities," he said.
Abu Bakar highlighted that the event will bring together industry leaders, innovators and stakeholders to explore the latest trends and developments in rail transport.
"We have a good number of civil construction companies that have done well in the rail industry, both in Malaysia and overseas.
"This includes countries such as Thailand and Taiwan, where our rail companies have established a strong presence by building train stations, bridges, trackwork, underground transmission lines and other infrastructure," he added.
According to MATRADE, in the first half of 2024 (1H 2024), Malaysia's rail exports continued to strengthen, rising by 43.8 per cent to RM320.1 million from RM222.6 million in 1H 2023.
In addition to its efforts to boost rail products and services exports to Germany, the agency also hopes to boost Malaysia's exports of rail expertise to the European Union (EU).
It said the EU is Malaysia's fifth-largest export destination for rail products and services, after Singapore, Taiwan, China and the United States.
"In 2023, rail exports to the EU increased by 82.5 per cent to RM 12.3 million, up from RM6.7 million in 2022.
"During the period, Malaysia's rail exports to the EU were mainly cargo containers, rolling-stock parts and signalling devices," it said.