Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship Adds Weight to Participation
As this year’s ASEAN Chair, Malaysia’s participation carries significant diplomatic and economic value. It will reinforce Malaysia’s leadership in promoting inclusive regional growth, advancing trade resilience, and strengthening its comprehensive strategic partnership with China.
Sarawak Businesses Encouraged to Seize Regional Opportunities
“CAEXPO continues to be a strategic platform for Malaysian businesses—particularly SMEs and entrepreneurs from Sarawak—to access regional opportunities,” said YBhg. Dato’ Mohammad Medan Abdullah, Board Member of MATRADE. He highlighted Sarawak’s growing strengths in renewable energy, high-value manufacturing, and downstream resource-based industries, urging local companies to leverage MATRADE’s support to tap into the vast Chinese market.
China Remains Malaysia’s Leading Trade Partner
China has maintained its position as Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years. In 2024, bilateral trade between the two countries grew by 7.5%, contributing to 16.8% of Malaysia’s total trade. From January to April 2025, trade reached RM161.98 billion (USD36.47 billion), primarily led by electrical and electronics (E&E) exports.
Momentum Builds After President Xi’s Visit
The trade relationship has received renewed momentum following President Xi Jinping’s visit to Malaysia, where both nations reaffirmed cooperation in areas such as green development, the digital economy, and infrastructure development under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Sarawak’s Economic Evolution in the Spotlight
Hosting the CAEXPO promotional event in Sarawak reflects the state’s emerging role in the regional economy. Beyond its historical reliance on natural resources, Sarawak is now positioning itself as a hub for clean energy, halal food, agro-technology, and digital innovation.
MATRADE Targets 100 High-Potential Exporters for CAEXPO 2025
Since Malaysia’s first participation at CAEXPO in 2004, more than 2,000 Malaysian companies have joined through MATRADE, generating RM6.69 billion in cumulative exports. For this year’s edition, MATRADE is targeting the participation of 100 high-potential companies across sectors such as:
- Food and Beverage
- Healthcare
- Lifestyle Products
- Digital Solutions
- Clean Energy
- Innovation and Technology
Strategic Engagement Activities to Drive Results
MATRADE will organise a suite of activities to support participants, including:
- Business matching sessions
- Product selection meetings
- Influencer-led livestream promotions
- Hybrid networking and engagement platforms
These will be conducted in partnership with the CAEXPO Secretariat and Chinese trade agencies to maximise engagement and business outcomes.
Invitation to Join the Malaysia Pavilion
MATRADE invites Malaysian exporters nationwide, including those from East Malaysia, to register for participation in the Malaysia Pavilion at CAEXPO 2025. Interested companies are encouraged to contact MATRADE directly or visit the official CAEXPO event page for more information.
