Malaysia is set to strengthen its trade presence in China through the participation of 67 Malaysian companies at the 23rd China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) 2026, as the country seeks to leverage growing trade opportunities and expand market access for Malaysian exporters.
Coordinated by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), Malaysia’s participation will take place from 17 to 21 September 2026 at the Nanning International Convention & Exhibition Center (NICEC) in Guangxi, China.
The Malaysian delegation will showcase products and services across a range of sectors, including artificial intelligence (AI), medical devices, household products, food and beverages, agricultural produce, personal care and cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and tourism.
The participation is intended to give Malaysian companies opportunities to connect with buyers, distributors and potential business partners, while strengthening their visibility and competitiveness in both the China and ASEAN markets.
China Remains Malaysia’s Largest Trading Partner
China has remained Malaysia’s largest single trading partner for 17 consecutive years since 2009, highlighting the strategic importance of the Chinese market to Malaysia’s trade and export growth.
Trade between Malaysia and China has continued to record strong momentum in 2026.
For the first seven months of the year, Malaysia’s trade with China increased 33.4% to RM391.60 billion, while exports to China grew 24.3% to RM127.87 billion.
At the same time, Malaysia’s trade with ASEAN increased 23.7% to RM552.23 billion, driven by a 20.3% rise in exports to RM315.67 billion.
The figures point to sustained demand for Malaysian-made goods and services across both China and the wider ASEAN region.
Building on RM300 Million in Sales
Malaysia’s participation at CAEXPO 2026 follows strong results from the previous edition.
At the 22nd CAEXPO in 2025, the MATRADE-led Malaysia Pavilion generated more than RM300 million in sales, providing a strong foundation for Malaysian companies returning to the event this year.
With CAEXPO serving as a platform for businesses to engage directly with international buyers, MATRADE is seeking to build on these commercial outcomes by helping Malaysian exporters establish new relationships and identify opportunities in China and other regional markets.
MATRADE Targets Sustainable Export Opportunities
Dato’ Indera Abu Bakar Yusof, Chief Executive Officer of MATRADE, emphasised the importance of maintaining an active and ongoing presence in international markets.
“CAEXPO provides Malaysian exporters with a proven, direct platform to engage key buyers, understand evolving consumer demands and strategically position high-value offerings. Through CAEXPO 2026, MATRADE remains dedicated to helping our local enterprises convert these engagements into tangible and sustainable commercial outcomes,” he said.
The participation also comes as Malaysia and China mark significant milestones in their regional economic relationship.
The 23rd CAEXPO coincides with the fifth anniversary of the China-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, as well as ongoing implementation efforts surrounding the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA) 3.0 Upgrade Protocol.
These developments provide an important backdrop for Malaysian exporters seeking to strengthen their access to the Chinese and ASEAN markets.
B2B Meetings to Open New Export Channels
Throughout the five-day event, MATRADE will host curated Business-to-Business (B2B) engagements to help Malaysian exhibitors establish new export channels across foreign markets.
The engagements are expected to provide participating companies with opportunities to meet potential buyers, distributors and business partners, while gaining a better understanding of market requirements and consumer demand.
For Malaysian businesses looking to expand internationally, the initiative forms part of MATRADE’s broader role in connecting local exporters with opportunities and partnerships in global markets.
With China continuing to be a key destination for Malaysian trade and ASEAN remaining an important regional market, Malaysia’s participation at CAEXPO 2026 is set to provide another platform for local companies to strengthen their international presence and convert trade connections into new export opportunities.
