Matrade to host China-Asean Expo in Nanjing this Sept 17-21
KUCHING (May 29): The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) will be hosting the 22nd China-Asean Expo (CAEXPO) from Sept 17-21 in Nanjing, China.
For this year's expo, Matrade will focus on organising the participation of 100 high-potential enterprises in six major areas, namely food and beverage; lifestyle; medical health; digital; green energy; and innovative technology, which are in line with the global development trend, said Matrade board member Datuk Mohammad Medan Abdullah.
'In order to enhance the effectiveness of Malaysia's participation in the 22nd China-Asean Expo, we will hold a number of activities, including precise matchmaking events at the Malaysian National Pavilion, potential buyer selection meetings, and joint live broadcasts with local internet celebrities to promote Malaysian products,' he said at a promotional conference here yesterday.
He said the expo has always been an important strategic platform for Malaysia to showcase itself to the world as a strong exporting country, an investment hot spot and vibrant tourism hub.
'CAEXPO brings together 10 Asean countries, China, and other Belt and Road partners to continuously deepen trade exchanges, investment cooperation and regional collaborative development.'
He revealed that over 2,000 Malaysian companies have participated in the expo through Matrade since first joining in 2004, with a cumulative export sales exceeding RM66.9 billion.
'Many of these companies have successfully entered the Chinese market, which strongly proves the practical value of this platform,' he said, adding that China has remained Malaysia's largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years since 2009 and currently ranks as the third-largest export market.
According to him, bilateral trade between Malaysia and China strongly rebounded in 2024 – achieving a year-on-year growth of 7.5 per cent, accounting for 16.8 per cent of Malaysia's total foreign trade.
'The bilateral trade between Malaysia and China from Jan to April 2025 alone was RM161.98 billion (approximately US$36.47 billion), with exports amounting to RM56.98 billion (approximately US$12.83 billion), driven primarily by electrical and electronic products.
'During the same period, imports from China reached RM105 billion (approximately US$23.64 billion), mainly consisting of intermediate goods,' he said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said China has emerged as one of Sarawak's most important trade and investment partners.
'Our relationship is underpinned by increasing bilateral trade, robust cooperation in infrastructure and development, and consistent people-to-people exchanges that have nurtured a strong foundation of goodwill and shared vision,' he said in his speech read by Kuching South mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng.
Dr Sim noted this year's expo signified more than just a gathering of stakeholders, and reflected the enduring spirit of collaboration between Sarawak, Malaysia and China – a relationship that is friendly, vibrant and resilient.
'I encourage China and Sarawakian businesses here to leverage this platform not only to explore emerging markets but to forge new collaborations, cross-border investments, and win-win partnerships,' he said.
Also present at the event was Consul-General of the People's Republic of China in Kuching Xing Weiping, who reaffirmed that CAEXPO would continue to provide a stage for exchanges and reciprocal cooperation between enterprises and introduce more Malaysian quality products including specialty goods from Sarawak into the Chinese market.
'We hope that through this roadshow, Chinese and Malaysian enterprises in Sarawak can have good exchanges and seize market opportunities, investment, and growth opportunities brought by China-Asean Free Trade Area (CAFTA) 3.0 to develop an open an inclusive China-Asean trade and economic relations with greater mutual benefit,' he said. CAEXPO China China-Asean Expo lead Matrade
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