MATRADE Leads Malaysia Pavilion at 22nd China-ASEAN Expo, Supporting ASEAN-China Connectivity
KUCHING, SARAWAK, 28 MAY 2025 (WEDNESDAY) – The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) will once again lead Malaysia’s participation at the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO), scheduled to take place in Nanning, China from 17 to 21 September 2025. This announcement was made during the 22nd CAEXPO Promotional Conference, held today in Kuching, Sarawak, jointly organised by MATRADE and the CAEXPO Secretariat, part of the official roadshow series. Malaysia is honoured to be one of the selected ASEAN countries to host this promotional event, reflecting its key role in advancing ASEAN-China trade and investment ties.
As Malaysia assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship this year, its participation at the 22nd CAEXPO takes on even greater significance in reinforcing regional economic leadership, promoting inclusive growth, and strengthening its comprehensive strategic partnership with China.
“CAEXPO remains a strategic gateway for Malaysian businesses, especially SMEs and entrepreneurs from Sarawak, to connect with markets across China and ASEAN,” said YBhg. Dato’ Mohammad Medan Abdullah, Board Member of MATRADE. He urged Sarawak-based businesses to leverage MATRADE’s facilitation services to expand their footprint in China’s vast market, leveraging on Sarawak’s strong capabilities in renewable and green energy, high value manufacturing and downstream resource based industries.
China remains Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years. In 2024, bilateral trade grew by 7.5%, representing 16.8% of Malaysia’s total trade. From January to April 2025, trade reached RM161.98 billion (USD36.47 billion), led by exports of electrical and electronics (E&E) products.
Malaysia’s trade ties with China gained renewed momentum following President Xi Jinping’s recent visit, which reaffirmed strategic alignment in green development, digital economy, and regional infrastructure through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Hosting the CAEXPO promotional conference in Sarawak also highlights the state’s growing role in the regional economy. Once known mainly for its natural resources, Sarawak is now positioning itself as a hub for clean energy, halal food, agro-technology, and digital innovation.
Since Malaysia's first appearance at CAEXPO in 2004, over 2,000 Malaysian companies have participated through MATRADE, generating a cumulative export value of RM6.69 billion, underscoring the expo’s impact in opening doors to the Chinese market.
For the 22nd CAEXPO, MATRADE is targeting the participation of 100 high-potential Malaysian companies in sectors such as food and beverage, healthcare, lifestyle, digital solutions, clean energy, and innovation, aligned with global trends and Chinese market demands.
To support participants, MATRADE will organise a series of strategic activities including business matching sessions, product selection meetings, influencer-led livestream promotions, and hybrid engagement initiatives. Partnerships with organisations like the CAEXPO Secretariat and counterparts from China will further enhance engagement outcomes.
As ASEAN Chair, Malaysia will use its participation at CAEXPO to advance key regional priorities, including trade resilience, digitalisation, and equitable growth across ASEAN.
MATRADE invites all Malaysian exporters, including those from East Malaysia, to register and be part of the Malaysia Pavilion at the 22nd CAEXPO. For participation and enquiries, interested companies can contact MATRADE’s team or visit the official event page at:
🔗 https://www.matrade.gov.my/en/events-promotion/international-trade-event-list
About CAEXPO
CAEXPO, or the China-ASEAN Expo, is an annual international trade exhibition and economic cooperation event held in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang A.R., China. It serves as a key platform to promote trade, investment, and tourism between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The event is organised by the People's Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce, P.R. China.
