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Section 03 Connecting Prospects
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This is a testament to the Government’s strong fiscal discipline and robust
medium-term growth prospects and demonstrates Moody’s confidence
in Malaysia as having a strong credit standing. In these challenging times,
the 12th Malaysian Plan lays the path to sustainable growth with its sound
economic fundamentals and decisive policy measures. This bodes well for
AS PART OF GEAR UP 21, more robust trade performance.
THE FOCUS FOR 2021
WILL CENTRE AROUND However when it comes to cross-border ventures, recovery is yet uncertain.
While waiting for economic forces to find a new balance, EXIM Bank
NURTURING A STRONGER will continue to make more inroads towards our internal transformation
TALENT POOL, CREATING aspirations via optimising our balance sheet, implementing alternative
SIMPLER, MORE SEAMLESS funding strategies and proactively capturing growth while preserving capital.
“END-TO-END” PROCESSES As part of Gear Up 21, the focus for 2021 will centre around nurturing a
WITH TECHNOLOGY AND stronger talent pool, creating simpler, more seamless “end-to-end” processes
with technology and fortifying the Bank’s risk and compliance culture.
FORTIFYING THE BANK’S These will boost our operations as we work to ensure sustainability in
RISK AND COMPLIANCE earnings, while not losing focus on our mandate.
CULTURE.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

On behalf of the Bank, our heartfelt gratitude is extended to the Ministry
of Finance and the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, and their
OUTLOOK AND PROSPECTS agencies, for their invaluable support in paving the way forward to better
Malaysia’s external trade performed fairly well days ahead. We are grateful to be part of the LAKSANA initiative and to
with exports rebounding in the second half spearhead the access to financing initiative, through the JanaNiaga Platform.
of 2020 as compared to the negative growth We also appreciate our customers, associates and partners who journey
recorded in the first half of the year. This could with us towards shared goals and make what we do so fulfilling.
be attributed to the progressive opening of
the economy and gradual recovery of external I take this opportunity to thank Chairman Dato’ Dr. Feizal Mustapha, who
demand. Exports to China recorded a new just ended his term in March 2021, for his exemplary leadership and
high in 2020 and similar momentum was guidance to the Board, EXCO, Management and employees throughout the
reported for the United States, which posted COVID-19 period.
the largest value in the last decade. There was
significant export growth to emerging markets Finally, to the stalwart EXCO, management and staff of EXIM Bank, I thank
notably Costa Rica, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Nigeria, you for your enthusiasm, passion and willingness to go beyond the call of
Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire. Rubber products, duty in serving all stakeholders. It’s been a privilege to work alongside this
electrical and electronics (E&E) products, as dynamic team.
well as palm oil and palm oil-based agriculture What we cannot deliver as individuals, we shall achieve as a team.
products registered strong export expansion.
Meanwhile, the trade surplus was the highest Thank you.
ever recorded, thus maintaining a sustained
surplus trend for 23 consecutive years since 1998.
Dato’ Shahrul Nazri Abdul Rahim
Going forward, investor confidence has been President/Chief Executive Officer
bolstered by Moody’s latest affirmation of
Malaysia’s local and foreign currency long-term
issuer ratings at A3, with a stable outlook.