MATRADE leads a delegation of 17 Malaysian companies to tap into South Korea’s dynamic market KUALA LUMPUR, June 23 (Bernama) -- The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) is spearheading the participation of 17 Malaysian companies, including 10 under Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) Gate to Global Programme at the Korea Import Expo (KIE) 2026, to be held from 23 to 25 June 2026 at COEX, Seoul, South Korea.
This marks Malaysia’s second consecutive participation in KIE following its successful debut in 2025, reflecting the nation's continued commitment to expanding business opportunities in one of East Asia’s premier trade hubs.
The Malaysia Pavilion will showcase a diverse range of products and solutions. These span across lifestyle and food and beverage sectors, featuring items such as health and wellness products, natural and herbal-based products, detergents, snacks and confectionery, sauces and condiments, ready-to-eat and frozen foods, bird’s nest products, household consumer products, as well as premium halal-certified products. This strategic showcase aims to increase the visibility of Malaysian brands, facilitate targeted business matching with local importers, and identify fresh market niches to further solidify bilateral trade relations.
South Korea remains one of Malaysia’s key trading partners. In 2025, total trade between Malaysia and the country reached RM117.12 billion (USD27.42 billion), representing an increase of 6.8% compared to 2024. Malaysia’s exports to South Korea amounted to RM52.62 billion (USD12.31 billion), while imports stood at RM64.51 billion (USD15.11 billion). Major exports included electrical and electronic (E&E) products, liquefied natural gas (LNG), petroleum products, as well as machinery, equipment and parts. This robust performance presents significant avenues for Malaysian exporters to further diversify their presence in the region.
"MATRADE is once again pleased to showcase Malaysia’s capabilities in KIE. South Korea presents a highly sophisticated and dynamic market, with consumers increasingly seeking quality, innovative, and sustainable goods. Through this platform, we aim to facilitate meaningful business engagements, unlock new export opportunities and strengthen the presence of Malaysian brands in the Korean market.
We are confident that the strong complementarity between our two economies will support deeper trade linkages, paving the way for greater collaboration in the years ahead,” said Mr. Abu Bakar Yusof, Chief Executive Officer of MATRADE.
As South Korean consumers increasingly seek high-quality products that offer strong value, authenticity, and unique attributes, Malaysian companies are well-positioned to meet these evolving demands through their diverse offerings and strict adherence to international quality standards. KIE 2026 provides an excellent arena for these enterprises to establish direct partnerships and strengthen their long-term footprint in South Korea.
Following the encouraging response received during the inaugural participation last year, MATRADE expects the Malaysia Pavilion to generate substantial business leads and secure commercial linkages between Malaysian exporters and South Korean distributors.
MATRADE cordially invites South Korean importers, distributors, retailers, wholesalers, and business partners to visit the Malaysia Pavilion at COEX, Hall B, to explore the Malaysian products and business opportunities on offer.
About MATRADEThe Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) is Malaysia's national trade promotion agency. Established in March 1993, its primary role is to assist Malaysian exporters in developing and expanding their export markets. Aligned with Malaysia's commercial diplomacy efforts, MATRADE is the nation’s trade facilitator and champion of Malaysian-made products and services on the global stage.
SOURCE: MATRADE
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Ms. Aninawati Saleh
Head of Corporate Communication
Tel: 03 – 6207 7077 (7826)
Email: communication@matrade.gov.my
--BERNAMA