KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Exporters Association (Mexpa) is targeting more small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs) to participate in the association's trade mission to Vietnam.

The objective is to help Malaysian companies find opportunities in the growing Vietnamese market.

Its president Abdul Kabur Ibrahim said Mexpa had received good response from Malaysian exporters since it announced the trade mission to Ho Chi Minh City. "We are expecting to have about 40 SMEs participating on this mission," he said. 

To date, 15 SMEs have registered with Mexpa.

Abdul Kabur was speaking to reporters after Mexpa's luncheon talk on the practical aspects of doing business in Vietnam here yesterday. He said with a population of 85 million, Vietnam is the next up and coming economy in Asia. 

He added that the country offers ample business opportunities for Malaysian companies.

"Vietnam has a lot to offer in terms of exports and imports as well investment," he said.

The first general trade mission to Ho Chih Minh City is scheduled from July 19 to 22.

Among the objectives of the trade mission is to explore Vietnam's business potential since it became a World Trade Organisation member four years ago and to obtain first hand information on the practical aspects of doing business in the country.

He said the sectors being targeted include manufacturing, food, rubber-based products, palm oil, machinery and construction.

Mexpa is an independent national trade association representing the interest of the Malaysian export community to help them develop and promote their exports as well as upgrade their status to meet challenges.

Abdul Kabur said apart from Vietnam, Mexpa is expected to go to Fiji, New Zealand, and China this September.

Mexpa also plans to go to several countries in Central Asia by year end.