BUILDING a resilient trade ecosystem that enables businesses to withstand global uncertainties and seize new opportunities will remain a key priority for the Penang government, says state Trade and National Unity Committee chairman Goh Choon Aik.
Delivering his keynote address at the Northern Region Investment Seminar 2026, Goh said the state’s approach goes beyond attracting investments by focusing equally on strengthening businesses through market access, innovation, digitalisation and strategic collaboration.
“Businesses today need more than financial support. They need confidence, strategic partnerships, access to markets, innovation, digital transformation and a supportive ecosystem that enables them to compete globally.
“That’s why we have adopted the principle of ‘Perdagangan Berdaya Tahan, Bantu Rakan Niaga’, which centres on building resilient trade by empowering and supporting our business community,” he said.
Having assumed the portfolio just over 100 days ago, Goh said his engagements with manufacturers, SMEs, chambers of commerce and investors across Penang revealed a common concern among businesses and the need for stronger support systems amid a rapidly evolving economic landscape.
Against this backdrop, he noted that Penang continues to demonstrate strong economic fundamentals.
The state secured RM63.96 billion in approved investments last year, comprising RM38.85 billion in domestic investments and RM25.10 billion in foreign investments, while total trade reached RM956.37 billion.
Penang’s export value stood at RM573.91 billion, accounting for about 35.7 per cent of Malaysia’s total exports.
The positive momentum has carried into this year, with Penang recording RM291.68 billion in total trade during the first quarter of 2026, including exports worth RM184.33 billion and a trade surplus of RM76.97 billion.
“These achievements are more than economic indicators. They reflect investor confidence, job creation and sustainable growth that benefits our people,” he said.
Goh added that Penang’s unemployment rate remains low at 2.7 per cent, supported by a labour force participation rate of 71.8 per cent.
Looking ahead, the state will continue pursuing high-impact investments in sectors such as semiconductors, integrated circuit (IC) design, automated test equipment (ATE), aerospace and other advanced technologies, while strengthening talent development initiatives to support industry growth.
He stressed that SMEs must not be overlooked in the state’s development agenda.
“While attracting multinational corporations is important, SMEs remain the backbone of Penang’s economy. We will continue supporting them through financing access, digitalisation initiatives, export promotion and entrepreneurship development programmes,” he said.
The seminar was organised by Hong Leong Bank, HLB Islamic and MIDA, bringing together government agencies, financial institutions, industry leaders and entrepreneurs to discuss investment opportunities and business growth in the northern region.
