SEPANG: Malaysia and China are strengthening regional trade through a strategic cargo partnership that positions Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) as a leading regional hub to accelerate the country’s economic growth, says Anthony Loke.
The Transport Minister said both countries have deepened cooperation through a “twin hub” model linking KLIA with Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport in Henan.
He said the partnership stemmed from a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in June 2024 between Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd and China Henan Aviation Group Co aimed at expanding cargo routes, enhancing logistics networks and boosting economic ties under the Air Silk Road framework.
“Malaysia remains China’s second-largest trading partner within Asean and its top source of imports.
“Strategically located at the heart of a high-growth, high-traffic region, Malaysia boasts a well-established air route network covering major global markets and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership area, offering favourable conditions for developing air cargo services,” he said.
Speaking at the Zhengzhou-Kuala Lumpur Air Silk Road Forum of International Cooperation, Loke said Malaysia is ramping up efforts to strengthen air cargo sector by positioning KLIA, Penang, Kota Kinabalu and Senai international airports as regional cargo hubs.
The Kuala Lumpur-Zhengzhou route has recorded strong growth in cargo volumes, rising from 437 tonnes in 2023 to 1,812 tonnes in 2024, and further spiking to 11,635 tonnes as of September 2025, Loke said, Bernama reported.
“Not only has the cargo volume has increased, the weekly flights between both airports have also grown from three times weekly to 10 times weekly this year.
“Cargo from Zhengzhou includes cross-border e-commerce shipments, while exports from Kuala Lumpur mainly consist of fresh fruits, including durian and other tropical varieties that are increasingly popular in the Chinese market,” he said.
The minister said cargo facilities in KLIA offer state-of-the-art logistics infrastructure, seamless air-sea-land connectivity, and a Free Commercial Zone (FCZ) that supports international trade, e-commerce and goods distribution across Asean and beyond.
“These facilities enable efficient handling of various cargo types, including heavy and temperature-sensitive items, preserving supply chain resilience and supporting economic expansion,” he said.
On the forum, Loke said it marked another milestone, adopting the twin hub model to spur cargo growth and deliver mutual economic benefits.
“This forum could not be more timely as we stand at a pivotal juncture for the global aviation industry, navigating profound shifts driven by technology, environmental concerns and sustainability, accelerated by the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.
Henan Province Governor Wang Kai said that under the guidance of the consensus between leaders of both countries, cooperation has continued to achieve new results, including the launch of the Zhengzhou-Kuala Lumpur freight route.
“This forum provides an opportunity to establish a regular communication mechanism, expand cooperation to wider fields and higher levels, and make greater contributions to building a community of shared future between China and Malaysia,” Wang added.
