Malaysia once again participated in the 21st China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) and China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (CABIS) on 24-28 September 2024 in Nanning, Guangxi. The Malaysian Delegation was led by H.E. Loke Siew Fook, Minister of Transport.
Photo credit: Chen Guanyan/China News
The Opening Ceremony was convened on 24 September at the Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Malaysia was the Country of Honour for the 21st CAEXPO and CABIS, the third time serving as the Country of Honour for the CAEXPO and CABIS. Malaysian Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim addressed the grand opening through a pre-recorded video, while H.E. Loke co-chaired the opening ceremony with H.E. Lan Tianli, Governor of Guangxi Government.
In his address, the Prime Minister highlighted the friendly, vibrant and resilient economic relationship between Malaysia and China. He then reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to foster a more resilient, inclusive, and people-oriented region that can seamlessly integrate with the global economy. He also called on both sides to leverage on the CAEXPO as a platform for Chinese and Malaysian businesses to explore and foster new relationships, to accelerate regional cooperation and progress.
Among the leaders attended and delivering their remarks during the opening ceremony were Chinese Vice Premier H.E. Ding Xuexiang, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister in charge of the Office of the Council of Ministers of Cambodia H.E. Vongsey Vissoth, Deputy Prime Minister of Laos H.E. Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Vietnam H.E. Ho Duc Phoc, as well as Secretary-General of ASEAN H.E. Kao Kim Hourn.
After the opening ceremony, accompanied by Consul General of Malaysia in Nanning Mr. Ahmad Phadil Ismail, H.E. Wang Naixue, Vice Chairman of CPPCC Guangxi Committee and other Malaysian senior officials, the Minister officiated Malaysia’s City of Charm pavilion and commodity pavilion.
At the City of Charm, guests were given the opportunity to learn about Johor State and Malaysia, and experience Johor’s unique products, tourism and culture, while the commodity pavilion focused on showcasing Malaysian food and beverages, agriculture produces, lifestyle, healthcare & wellness and the services sector.
In the afternoon, Malaysian delegation participated in the Round-table Dialogue between the Government of Malaysia and CEOs from China at the Grand Metro Park Hotel. The event began with remarks by H.E. Zhang Shaogang, Vice Chairman of CCPIT, followed by H.E. Sun Dawei, Chairman of CPPCC Guangxi Committee and H.E. Loke. The dialogue session featured CEOs of six Chinese megacorps, namely China Energy Engineering Group (CEEG), Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. Chery Automoibile Co., Ltd, Shenzhen Capchem Technology Co., Ltd, and Huatai Financial Holdings (Hong Kong) Limited. The session was moderated by Ms. Zalina Zainol, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of MIDA.
In the evening, Malaysian delegation led by H.E. Loke participated in a courtesy meeting with H.E. Liu Ning, Party Secretary of CPC Guangxi Committee at Nanning Liyuan Resort and followed by dinner hosted by H.E. Liu.
Meeting with Dr. Song Hailiang, Chairman of CEEG
The Minister continued his busy scheduled on 25 September with site visit and meetings with two Chinese companies, namely CEEG and Guangxi Beibu Gulf Port Group.
The 21st CAEXPO featured 3,300 exhibitors, with 2,004 participating in the main exhibition area in Nanning. Among them, 740 enterprises were from ASEAN countries.
According to MATRADE, Malaysia was honoured as the leading award recipient, securing five awards including the Best National Pavilion Award, Best Promotion on Investment Cooperation Award, Best Trade and Economic Outcomes Award, Best Exhibitor Organiser Award as well as Country of Honour Award. Additionally, three Malaysian brands received special recognition from the CAEXPO Secretariat, namely DSR Daily Fresh Sdn Bhd (Golden Award for durian gelato), B-Crobes (M) Sdn Bhd (Silver Award for probiotic products), and Durian Manufacturer Association (Popular Award).
