CAEXPO 2026 Opens New Trade Opportunities For Malaysian Exporters

By Wan Muhammad Aslah Wan Razali

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 21 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s participation in the 23rd China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) 2026 in Nanning, China, has opened new opportunities for local businesses to expand into the Chinese market, particularly in halal products, food and beverages, and agricultural produce.

The five-day expo ends today.

CGTN reporter Xu Hua said Malaysia’s strong presence at the expo, with 111 exhibition booths, reflected the country’s diverse export capabilities and growing interest in strengthening commercial ties with China.

She shared this on the Bernama World programme on Monday, speaking virtually on CAEXPO 2026: Malaysia, China & The Future of ASEAN Trade.

According to her, Malaysian exhibitors showcased products and services spanning media, medical devices, household products, food and beverages, agricultural produce, personal care and cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and tourism.

A notable highlight was the participation of 16 Malaysian halal companies under a dedicated trade mission, covering halal food and beverages, personal care and consumer products.

“They held B2B matchmaking sessions with Chinese enterprises focused on actual procurement and distribution deals,” she said.d and beverages, agricultural produce, personal care and cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and tourism.

Xu Hua said Malaysian exhibitors had also secured brand authorisation agreements with Chinese partners during the expo, including deals involving durian products aimed at expanding their presence in the Chinese market.

She said a Malaysian exhibitor she interviewed expressed optimism about the enormous potential of the Chinese market, while highlighting the importance of identifying suitable retailers and importers to facilitate exports.

China has remained Malaysia’s largest single trading partner for 17 consecutive years, she noted, adding that the expo served as a platform for businesses across ASEAN to pursue new trade and growth opportunities.

Beyond Malaysia’s participation, Xu Hua said this year’s CAEXPO marked several historic milestones, including Timor-Leste’s first participation as a co-organiser, bringing together all 11 ASEAN member states.

The expo attracted more than 3,400 companies from over 70 countries and regions, covering 170,000 square metres of exhibition space.

She said the event also reflected a shift towards emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), digital connectivity and green development, as China and ASEAN seek to deepen regional economic cooperation.

For the first time, CAEXPO introduced a dedicated AI marketplace featuring more than 500 consumer AI products from over 70 companies, including smart wearables, home health devices and household robots.

Xu Hua said visitors could experience and purchase AI-powered products directly, while a new AI-based trade matching system connected more than 8,000 exhibitors with potential buyers even before the expo began.

Another new feature was a dedicated ASEAN demand area, highlighting the needs of ASEAN countries rather than focusing solely on products and services offered by China.

The expo also hosted more than 50 trade and investment promotion activities to strengthen regional economic cooperation.

-- BERNAMA