KUALA LUMPUR, July 12 (Bernama) -- Companies owned by women contributed RM5.7 million of the total RM8.8 million in potential sales at the Showcase Malaysia 2011 from June 10-12.

Organised by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade), 21 Malaysian companies with 10 owned by women entrepreneurs participated in the event, held in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

In a statement today, Matrade's Trade Commissioner for Bangladesh, Md Zainuddin said the fact that women-owned companies comprised almost the Malaysian delegation and 65 per cent of potential sales orders received, is a thorough validation of Matrade's Women Entrepreneurs Development Programme.

"Our programme has demonstrated that given the proper knowledge and skills, Malaysian women entrepreneurs are fully capable of venturing aggressively and successfully into the export market," he added.

Several of the women entrepreneurs present at the event confirmed the vibrancy and opportunities available in the Bangladesh market.

Moreover, the women entrepreneurs who participated took advantage to promote their food and beverage products.

Bangladesh is Malaysia's third largest trading partner in South Asia with total trade amounting to RM2.45 billion for the first quarter of 2011, an increase of 75 per cent compared to the corresponding period of last year.

Exports to Bangladesh also recorded an increase of 75.4 per cent in the first quarter of 2011 to grow to RM2.41 billion.

-- BERNAMA