Caexpo secretariat conference and reception director Huang Weimin (left) presenting a souvenir to Loke (centre). On the right is secretariat liaison director Huang Xin.
PETALING JAYA: The China-Asean Expo (Caexpo) took centre stage during the three-day Malaysia-China Summit (MCS) 2024, showcasing the growing trade cooperation between the two nations.
The exhibition, which concluded recently, featured a wide range of Chinese exhibitors and attracted over 1,000 guests, generating numerous business leads, the organising secretariat said in a statement.
Exhibitor Dongxing City Zhongyuetai International Food Co Ltd's sales general manager Luo Quan said its yam-based food products are set to debut in Malaysia by March.
Other exhibitors also attracted strong interest from local corporations, with dozens of prospective clients connecting with them daily, the statement read.
“Some clients have even planned site visits to China to explore further collaboration," it added.
The Caexpo secretariat said the exhibitors were from various sectors, including education, culture, green innovation, digital technology, talent development, and the food industry.
Companies such as Nanning Jianning Water Investment Group Co Ltd and Guangxi Shenghe Big Data Service Co Ltd were among the key participants.
The event also celebrated cultural ties with performances by the China Conservatory of Music showcasing the shared heritage between Malaysia and China, the secretariat said.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli, Deputy Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir, and Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani were among the Malaysian dignitaries who attended the expo.
During the event, a commemorative badge featuring Caexpo’s mascots He He and Mei Mei in traditional Malay costumes was launched.
In a separate statement, Loke highlighted the enduring partnership between China and Asean, and the important role of Chinese companies in driving progress in the region.
“China has been a steadfast partner in Asean's journey. From transformative infrastructure projects to cutting-edge investments, Chinese companies have contributed to the region’s progress.
“Over the decades, Malaysia’s partnership with China has been an integral part of the country’s development.
“China is Malaysia’s largest trading partner and a major source of investment in key sectors, from electronics to green technology, with a relationship that goes beyond business to embody shared aspirations, mutual trust and progress,” he said.
MCS 2024 was held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec) in Kuala Lumpur from Tuesday to Thursday (Dec 17 to 19) last week.
It was the culmination of events marking the 50th anniversary of China-Malaysia relations this year.
The summit attracted over 10,000 trade visitors and about 500 exhibitors from China, Malaysia and Asean.
MCS 2024's theme “Prosperity Beyond 50” reaffirmed Malaysia and China's commitment to common development, resiliency and continual success, with a shared vision of driving prosperity and progress not just on a regional but a global level.
