MATRADE highlights Malaysian SMEs in PhilSME Expo 2025, gears up to penetrate Philippines Halal market

The Embassy of Malaysia through Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) seeks to penetrate the growing Philippines Halal market by connecting Malaysian companies with the host’s industry players.

MATRADE under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) will be pushing forward ten local SMEs to headline the Malaysia Pavilion during PhilSME Expo 2025, held at SMX Convention Centre, Manila on 9  to 10 May. 

According to The Manila Times, the featured SMEs represent highly potential sectors ranging from Halal-certified food and beverages to digital solutions, who aim to establish business linkages, explore distributorships, and introduce Malaysian quality products and technologies to the Philippines market.

The Ambassador of Malaysia to the Philippines, Dato' Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino said, Malaysia’s participation in the upcoming PhilSME Expo 2025 is timely and strategic in conjunction with Malaysia’s chairmanship in ASEAN this year. 

The Ambassador of Malaysia to the Philippines, Dato' Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino (photo credit: Daily Tribune)

“As we lead efforts to advance regional cooperation and economic integration, this platform not only highlights the strength and innovation of Malaysian SMEs but also sets the stage for deeper Malaysia-Philippines business engagement. 

As the Philippines prepares to assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026, our collaboration here signals a shared vision of a more connected, resilient, and inclusive Asean economy," said Malik.

To officially launch the Malaysia Pavilion during the Expo, a ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on May 9, 2025. 

Today, MATRADE in collaboration with Maybank Philippines also holds a Doing Business with Malaysia: Briefing and Business Matching Session for Malaysian companies to provide market insights, introduce them to potential Filipino partners, and facilitate B2B engagements ahead of the expo.

Trade Commissioner to MATRADE Manila, Intan Zalani (photo credit: Inquirer Business)

Trade Commissioner to MATRADE Manila, Intan Zalani said, as many as 30 one-to-one business meetings between Malaysian companies and Philippines’ partners have been arranged.

"We hope that these engagements will lead to meaningful business partnerships, fostering stronger trade relations and unlocking new growth opportunities for Malaysian SMEs in the Philippines," she said.

Last year, the total trade between both countries was valued at USD8.35 billion which projected a 5.5 percent growth in comparison to 2023.

Philippines is Malaysia’s 16th biggest trading partner (photo credit: CARI ASEAN Research and Advocacy)

In conjunction, Malaysia’s exports to the Philippines increased by 5 percent to USD6.08 billion while imports from the Philippines increased by 6.8 percent to USD2.27 billion. 

Malaysia mainly exported petroleum products, electrical and electronic products, palm oil and palm oil-based products, chemical and chemical products as well as processed food to the Philippines.

Meanwhile, the Philippines exported electrical and electronic products, vegetable oil, machinery, equipment, and parts, and manufacturers of metal, as well as natural rubber, to Malaysia.