Malaysian companies generated RM305.62 million in sales at the 23rd China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) 2026, surpassing the initial RM275 million target by 11.1%.
Coordinated by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), Malaysia’s participation at CAEXPO took place from 17 to 21 September 2026 at the Nanning International Convention & Exhibition Center (NICEC) in Guangxi, China.
A total of 67 Malaysian companies participated, with the majority comprising small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The companies represented a range of high-value and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sectors, including artificial intelligence (AI), medical devices, household products, food and beverages, agricultural produce, personal care and cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and tourism.
The results highlight the ability of Malaysian SMEs to connect with international buyers, explore new market opportunities, expand global business networks and convert these engagements into business deals.
MATRADE Connects Malaysian Businesses with Buyers
To maximise business outcomes for participating companies, MATRADE organised a series of targeted business and promotional activities throughout CAEXPO.
These initiatives were designed to facilitate direct engagement between Malaysian exhibitors and potential buyers and strategic partners, while strengthening the visibility of Malaysian brands in the China and ASEAN markets.
Activities included B2B business matching sessions with China Construction Bank (CCB), as well as engagements under the 2026 China-ASEAN Silk Road E-Commerce Promotion Event.
Malaysian exhibitors also took part in pitching sessions, product selection programmes with selected buyers, live-streaming sessions with key opinion leaders (KOLs) and a market visit to Sam’s Club, among other supporting activities.
The initiatives aimed to help Malaysian SMEs better understand market demand, identify potential distribution channels and establish business connections that could support sustained export growth.
Supporting SMEs to Expand Beyond Malaysia
MATRADE Chief Executive Officer YBhg. Dato’ Indera Abu Bakar Yusof said empowering SMEs to compete on the global stage remains a central priority for the organisation.
“The multi-pronged tools and platforms have proven effective with the outcomes achieved. It is a clear testament to the resilience, quality and export capability of our SMEs. CAEXPO serves as a vital springboard for smaller, high-potential Malaysian enterprises to scale beyond domestic borders. MATRADE’s structured business matching and digital outreach strategies ensure that our SMEs do not just exhibit, but establish concrete, long-term commercial partnerships in China and ASEAN,” he said.
He added that MATRADE would continue to strengthen capability-building programmes and market access platforms to help more Malaysian SMEs transition into global exporters.
MATRADE Receives Two CAEXPO Awards
Malaysia’s participation at CAEXPO 2026 also received recognition, with MATRADE presented with two awards: Best Exhibition Organiser and Special Contributor for Trade and Investment Promotion.
The awards recognised MATRADE’s contribution to CAEXPO and its efforts to promote trade and investment.
The latest results build on Malaysia’s longstanding participation in the China-ASEAN trade platform. Since CAEXPO was established, more than 2,400 Malaysian companies, predominantly SMEs, have participated in the exhibition.
Strengthening Malaysia-China and ASEAN Trade Links
Malaysia’s continued participation reflects sustained interest among local businesses in using CAEXPO as a platform to access the China market, build regional networks and explore opportunities across ASEAN.
MATRADE had previously highlighted CAEXPO as a platform for Malaysian exporters to connect with buyers, distributors and business partners while strengthening their visibility and competitiveness in China and ASEAN.
The 2026 results further demonstrate the role of international trade exhibitions and structured business matching in helping Malaysian SMEs identify overseas opportunities, develop commercial partnerships and expand their presence beyond the domestic market.
