KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian businesses will have the golden opportunity to expand their services and products internationally during the upcoming 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE), says China’s Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing.
He said CIIE, which will be held in Shanghai, could serve as a stepping stone for local Malaysian products and businesses to expand into the Chinese market.
“We hope that friends from the Malaysia business community will seize the new opportunities through this 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 yesterday.
To this, China International Import Expo Bureau executive director-general Wu Zhengping recommended Malaysian businesses target tourism, rehabilitation and medical tourism, and education markets.
“Chinese tourism in Malaysia last year was significant but still below other South-East Asian neighbours.
“We see that more can 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 Pyng said it would provide more local businesses a chance to take part 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.
“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 had served as the third-largest export destination for Malaysian goods, amounting RM187.67bil, last year.
Meanwhile, China was also the largest source of imports into Malaysia, totalling RM296.45bil in 2024.
“This continuous positive trend demonstrates the effectiveness of Malaysia’s strategic trade initiatives and its growing presence in the Chinese market.
“With CIIE acting as a platform, Malaysian businesses have the chance to expand their reach into the vast Chinese market and beyond.”
The expo is currently set to be held at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre in Shanghai from Nov 5 to 10.
The expo will feature a massive 360,000sq m exhibition area that is expected to showcase products from thousands of businesses from around the world.
Also present were Chinese Embassy’s Minister Counsellor (Commercial Affairs) Sun Shuqiang, Bank of China (Malaysia) chief executive officer Zhang Min, Bank of China’s Banking Department deputy general manager (Global Transaction) Li Xiaowei, Matrade deputy chief executive officer Abu Bakar Yusof, Malaysia Promas International Business Society president Chong Chong Tik and Muhua Sdn Bhd co-founder Yeap Tean Aik.
