Malaysia’s leading trade fashion and lifestyle event, FACIT@INTRADE and Malaysia Fashion Week (MFW) 2015, part of Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade)'s signature event called International Trade Malaysia begins today.

FACIT@INTRADE and MFW 2015, a collaborative effort between Matrade and Malaysian company, Stylo International, features 290 booths with 68 percent Malaysian and 32 percent international businesses from 14 countries.

Second International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan after officiating the event said that the fashion and textile industry offered huge potential for trade given the many talented local designers, especially global fashion icon Jimmy Choo.

He further said that Malaysia have never experience a trade deficit since the financial crisis in 1997. Malaysia's continued trade surplus in the past 216 consecutive months, despite current economic challenges, has showcased the country's healthy and strong fundamentals.

On an average, Malaysia's monthly exports stood at RM66 billion while imports amounted to RM56 billion.

MITI had been assigned to form a committee to look into technical and vocational training for youths who are not academically inclined but are talented in technical and vocational aspects.

This committee will lead these gifted young people to explore their talent in fashion and design, Ong said.

Meanwhile, Matrade Chief Executive Officer and MFW Chairman Datuk Dzulkifli Mahmud expected the event to generate 10 percent higher sales this year compared with RM90.3 million recorded last year.

The country’s only trade fashion show will run from 4-7 November at Matrade Exhibition Convention Center, MECC, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and will be open to public from on 6-7 November.