FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2017, KUALA LUMPUR: In an effort to promote the participation in China ASEAN Expo 2017 (CAEXPO 2017) among Malaysian companies, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) with the CAEXPO Secretariat jointly organised a series of roadshows called Promotional Conference Road Show on the 14th CAEXPO 2017.

The roadshows take place from 12 – 14 April 2017 in three major cities in Malaysia namely Georgetown, Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur. Apart from promoting the registration in CAEXPO 2017, the roadshows are to provide a clear insight on CAEXPO, which is slated from 12 – 15 September 2017 in Nanning, China.

This year, MATRADE will be spearheading the participation of companies in a number of sectors, namely Food & Beverages, Health & Wellness, Lifestyle and Services (education, tourism, medical tourism and logistic).

CAEXPO is a major trade fair in China co-sponsored by the government of China and ASEAN countries with the objective of promoting the China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA). The theme of the 14th CAEXPO is "Jointly Build the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, Promote Regional Economic Integration through Tourism".

CAEXPO has been selected as one of the international trade fairs by MATRADE due to its effectiveness and importance as a strategic entry point for Malaysian companies to China and ASEAN markets. This iconic event involves the participation of key government ministries, government-linked companies and the private sector too. In 2016, the Malaysia Pavilion at CAEXPO occupied a space of 3,240 sqm (200 booths) and involved 205 Malaysian exhibitors and eight government agencies. The event last year has generated total sales of RM329.6 million for the local companies.

According to Ir. Dr. Mohd Shahreen Zainooreen Madros, MATRADE's Chief Executive Officer, CAEXPO is the largest overseas expo that MATRADE has participated in outside of Malaysia, in terms of number of participants and space.

"This event has never failed to deliver its objectives to enhancing and increasing market access for Malaysian companies, particularly the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), into the huge China market. Throughout the years, CAEXPO has benefitted many exporters and been credited as an effective platform for SMEs from ASEAN countries to boost their businesses to China," Ir. Dr. Zainooreen Madros said.

"Apart from participating in an exhibition such as this, I would like to urge Malaysian companies to leverage on the eCommerce platforms available in China to ramp up their exports sales by showcasing their products and services on major eMarketplaces such AliBaba.com, JD.com. ule.com, ICBC online mall (Rong e Gou) and others," he added.

China is Malaysia's largest trading partner for eight consecutive years since 2009. Malaysia's total trade with China in 2016 was RM240.9 billion as compared to RM230.9 billion recorded in 2015, registering a growth of 4.4 per cent. In addition, Malaysia's exports to China were valued at RM98.6 billion and imports were at RM142.4 billion.

Malaysian companies keen to join CAEXPO 2017 are encouraged to register no later than 2 June 2017 at http://www.matrade.gov.my/en/international-trade-event-list or contact Ms. Yeow Chin Chin at 03-62077104 or email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..