KUALA LUMPUR: The upcoming 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) will allow Malaysian businesses to expand their services and products internationally, says Chinese ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing.
He said CIIE, which will be held in Shanghai, could serve as a catalyst for local Malaysian products and businesses to expand into the Chinese market.
“We hope that friends from the Malaysian business community will seize the new opportunities presented by today's event and actively participate in CIIE.
“We look forward to seeing more high-quality Malaysian products enter the Chinese market and bring about economic prosperity for all,” he said in his speech during a CIIE promotion event at a hotel here on Monday (Feb 24).
China International Import Expo Bureau executive director general Wu Zhengping recommended that Malaysian businesses target tourism, rehabilitation and medical tourism, and education markets during CIIE to increase their chances of success.
“Chinese tourism in Malaysia last year was significant but still below other South East Asian neighbours.
“We see that more can definitely be done to promote Malaysia’s unique brand of hospitality and tourism to Chinese tourists.
“China’s ageing population means a growing potential for rehabilitation, and medical tourism is also popular,” he said.
He added that existing large trade markets between the two countries, such as natural rubber exports, would also provide viable opportunities.
“Malaysia exported 608,534 tonnes of natural rubber to China last year, which accounted for 65% of Malaysia’s total natural rubber exports to all countries,” he said.
Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) president Datuk Ng Yih Pyn said it would allow more local businesses to participate in CIIE through the association’s planned pavilion.
“CIIE is not just an exhibition space but a strategic gateway and platform to connect with high-level international buyers and establish lasting trade and investment partnerships.
“Through this, may we continue to strengthen the Malaysia-China economic partnership and build a prosperous future together,” he said in a speech at the event.
Malaysia External Trade Development Corp (Matrade) chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz said CIIE would further boost trade between China and Malaysia, strengthening ties between the two countries.
He revealed that China was the third-largest export destination for Malaysian goods, amounting to RM187.67bil last year.
Meanwhile, China was also the largest importer into Malaysia, totalling RM296.45bil in 2024.
“With CIIE acting as a platform, Malaysian businesses have the chance to expand their reach into the vast Chinese market and beyond,” he said at the event.
The CIIE will be held at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre in Shanghai from Nov 5 to Nov 10.
The expo would feature a massive 360,000 square meters exhibition area that is expected to showcase products from thousands of businesses from around the world.
