"Remarkable Shandong" Expo 2025: China-M'sia Partnership Boosts ASEAN Agricultural Trade

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 24 (Bernama) -- Shandong, China’s leading agricultural province, made its debut in Malaysia today under the “Remarkable Shandong” brand, bringing together leading enterprises and premium agricultural products from 16 cities across the province.  

In a statement, the brand said the debut took place at the “Remarkable Shandong” Agricultural Trade (Malaysia) Expo 2025 here, where it attracted participation from government agencies, trade associations, and buyers from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and beyond. 

The expo highlights Shandong’s strengths while supporting Malaysia’s priorities in food security, diversified imports, and technology exchange, positioning itself as a long-term platform for mutual growth.

“As China’s leading agricultural province, Shandong recorded an output value of RMB1.28 trillion (approximately RM755 billion) in 2024, with exports of RMB164.8 billion to over 170 countries. Its garlic, onions, ginger, and fresh produce are long favoured by Malaysian consumers for their quality and familiarity,” the statement read.

At the opening ceremony, Shandong and Malaysian enterprises signed multiple strategic cooperation agreements across grain and oil, pet food, supply chains and agri-tech.

These include Goldage Harvest Sdn Bhd with Tengzhou Jiahe Grain and Oil Co. Ltd., BS Pet Products Sdn Bhd with Shandong Huiju Pet Food Co. Ltd., Shandong Provincial Cooperation Chongqing Cadre Management Group with Frespro Sdn Bhd / D’Fresh Sdn Bhd, as well as Shandong Ledao Agricultural Technology Co. Ltd. with Hai-O Group DJM Sdn Bhd, and IDG International Development Group Sdn Bhd.

“These collaborations deepen cooperation in niche sectors while expanding into agri-tech and cross-border supply chains, enhancing product stability and competitiveness and creating new opportunities for Malaysia and ASEAN,” the brand said.

Distinguished guests, including chairman of the Halal Development Corporation (HDC) Datuk Azhari Shaari, joined to witness this milestone in China-Malaysia agricultural cooperation.

Second-level inspector of the Shandong Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Liu Chengxu said the expo served as a platform for exchange and innovation, as well as friendship and would further deepen collaboration in trade, technology, and sustainable farming for mutual benefit.

“Shandong, known as the ‘Granary and Vegetable Basket of China,’ brings not only premium products and advanced technologies, but also the possibilities of modern agriculture,” he said in the same statement.

Meanwhile, Federation of Vegetable Farmers Association of Malaysia president Lim Ser Kwee said China and Malaysia are highly complementary in agriculture, with Shandong a key agricultural province and Malaysia a fast-growing ASEAN market.

“Chinese exports, such as garlic sprouts, lotus roots, and processed products, are well-received here for their quality and competitiveness. This expo provides a valuable platform to expand collaboration in trade, technology, and supply chains for mutual benefit,” he said. 

The expo presents a rich programme of showcasing, networking and collaboration with highlights including a premium products launch introducing Shandong’s signature offerings, one-to-one procurement matchmaking sessions linking Malaysian importers with Shandong suppliers and the Malaysia-Shandong Agricultural Forum on food security, technology, and regional connectivity.

Exhibits span five key categories: fruits and vegetables, grains and dry goods, meat and aquatic products, prepared foods, and agricultural technology, with tasting and sampling sessions offering visitors a first-hand experience of Shandong’s quality and diversity.

With the support of the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), the two-day expo began yesterday and is organised by Guangzhou YIWU International Exhibition Co. Ltd.

It is jointly hosted by the Shandong Overseas Friendship Association and the Shandong Council for Agricultural Trade, with co-organisation from the Macau Shandong General Association, the Remarkable Shandong Hengqin Brand Globalisation Centre, Shandong Agriculture Group Co. Ltd., the Malaysia-Shandong Province Chamber of Commerce, and the Malaysia-Shandong Province (Qilu) Chamber of Commerce.

--BERNAMA