Exim Bank to channel over RM1bil into 2027 Budget export drive

KUALA LUMPUR: Export-Import Bank of Malaysia Bhd (Exim Bank) will channel more than RM1 billion into strategic initiatives under the 2027 Budget to strengthen Malaysian businesses' export competitiveness, expand overseas market access and support the transition towards sustainable operations.

The initiatives, mandated by the government, will provide financing and export credit protection to help local businesses build capacity, diversify markets and manage the risks associated with international trade.

Exim Bank, a subsidiary of Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Bhd Group (BPMB Group), said the initiatives would complement the group's broader mandate of more than RM7 billion in strategic programmes entrusted by the government.

The bank's export development initiatives comprise the RM300 million Local Acceleration and Growth Programme, the RM500 million Export Leap Scheme and a RM5 million grant under the Malaysia Global Connect (MGC) GoExport Cover.

The Local Acceleration and Growth Programme will provide affordable financing to manufacturers, service providers and local vendors to expand capacity, improve productivity and strengthen competitiveness.

It will also support businesses seeking to participate in the value and supply chains of multinational corporations and leading domestic companies, including those operating in strategic sectors identified under the New Industrial Master Plan 2030.

Meanwhile, the RM500 million Export Leap Scheme will help Malaysian entrepreneurs and exporters develop the capabilities needed to enter new international markets or expand their existing presence, including in frontier and non-traditional destinations.

The scheme is also intended to help businesses navigate intensifying competition, rising costs and uncertainty arising from global economic and geopolitical developments.

To complement these efforts, the MGC GoExport Cover will provide aspiring and existing exporters with protection against commercial trade risks in new and non-traditional markets, enabling them to pursue overseas opportunities with greater confidence.

Beyond export development, Exim Bank will allocate RM400 million through Dana Kelestarian Alam 2.0 to finance low-carbon initiatives and encourage businesses to incorporate sustainability into their investments and operations.

The programme is aimed at supporting Malaysia's environmental, social and governance objectives through responsible development financing.

Exim Bank said the initiatives would draw on its specialised export financing and credit protection capabilities, alongside resources across BPMB Group, to strengthen Malaysian exporters' resilience and international competitiveness.

The bank will also prioritise measurable development outcomes, additionality and effective programme delivery in line with Bank Negara Malaysia's Performance Measurement Framework, supporting the broader trade agenda of the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry.