Kuala Lumpur:Persatuan Usahawan Wawasan Wanita Malaysia (WAWASANITA) is targeting RM15 million in bilateral trade with 15 countries over the next six months. This initiative aims to convert diplomatic relationships into tangible business opportunities for its members.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, WAWASANITA's president, Datin Dr. Norli @ Norlaili Alias, stated that the association plans to generate RM1 million in trade with each country participating in its Ambassador Roundtable 2026 The Sovereign Trade Dialogue. This platform connects ambassadors, government officials, industry leaders, and female entrepreneurs to enhance international trade and investment.
The dialogue seeks to introduce WAWASANITA's businesses and establish a foundation for future trade activities. Among the countries involved are Maldives, Jordan, Tajikistan, Romania, Sudan, and South Africa. Norli emphasized the importance of understanding the regulations and policies of these countries, supported by increased engagement with their diplomatic representatives.
The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry and the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation have pledged their support, alongside participating embassies, to assist WAWASANITA members. The initial phase involves a pilot group of 20 companies, selected from 200 registered for the WAWASANITA BizzPitchMatch 2026, offering a total of 1,000 stock-keeping units. These companies have gone through extensive preparation, focusing on entrepreneurial mindset, product development, and market documentation.
The BizzPitchMatch 2026 program offers a platform for entrepreneurs to present their business ideas and seek feedback, financing, and export opportunities. It connects them with financial partners and industry experts to support sustainable business growth. Norli highlighted the comprehensive preparation of entrepreneurs to explore these opportunities across WAWASANITA's five business clusters, including food and beverages, fashion, crafts, products and services, and spa and beauty.
WAWASANITA also aims to expand its ASEAN Halal Hub initiative, enhancing its existing Universal Halal Hub. This initiative, launched today, seeks partnerships across ASEAN countries to replicate its successful model. Additionally, the newly launched Kerepek International initiative will involve collaboration with the Rural and Regional Development Ministry to ensure production readiness for overseas demand.
Norli asserted that WAWASANITA remains open to opportunities across all 15 participating countries and plans to conduct quarterly diplomatic dialogues to sustain momentum. Over its 30-year history, WAWASANITA has amassed records of 17,000 members, with 9,700 active today. The association continues to support women's leadership and entrepreneurship through various initiatives, marking its 30th anniversary by honoring 25 individuals for their contributions, including Bernama CEO Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, who received the WAWASANITA Icon of Media Leadership Award 2026.