On 22 January 2025, Consul General Mr. Ahmad Phadil Ismail participated in the Spring Tea Gathering hosted by Mr. Yang Chunting, Director General of Guangxi Department of Commerce (DOFCOM), at the Nanhu Mingdu Hotel for the ASEAN missions in Nanning & Guangzhou and ASEAN Chambers of Commerce in Guangxi.
The event started with a business briefing session to review the trade and economic outcomes of Guangxi and ASEAN’s economic engagement with Guangxi in 2025, as well as DOFCOM’s work plan for 2026.
During the briefing, the Consul General commended DOFCOM’s active engagement with ASEAN missions in enhancing economic collaborations between Guangxi and ASEAN countries over the years. He underscored several highlights for 2025, including a landmark State Visit by President Xi Jinping to Malaysia in April 2025 that yielded 31 cooperation agreements across various sectors, the MoU signing for AI collaboration between MYEG Services Berhad and Guangxi’s Beitou IT Innovation, as well as Malaysia’s successful participation in the 22nd CAEXPO which was led by the Honourable Dato’ Sri Fadillah Yusof, Deputy Prime Minister II and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation that generated sales of nearly RMB 650 million.
He highlighted that the President’s visit marks a strategic shift toward future industries like AI, the digital economy, and green energy. Key outcomes of the visit also included an upgrade to the "Two Countries, Twin Parks" initiative and a mutual visa exemption agreement that foster deeper people-to-people ties.
He underscored Malaysia's performance in 2025, especially successfully assuming the ASEAN Chairmanship under the theme of "Inclusivity and Sustainability." Among the key achievements were facilitating the historic admission of Timor-Leste as ASEAN's 11th member and advancing regional partnerships by hosting the inaugural ASEAN–GCC–China Summit.
He then extended a warm welcome to all participants and encouraged more Chinese tourists to visit Malaysia in 2026, as the country celebrates "Visit Malaysia Year". He highlighted the opportunity to explore the country's diverse attractions, including its vibrant celebrations and festivals held throughout the year.
The Consul General gives a toast at the banquet
In 2025, Guangxi's total import and export value reached RMB 819.26 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 8.4%. Its foreign trade scale ranked 13th nationwide and 2nd among western Chinese regions. Trade with ASEAN amounted to RMB 429.22 billion, up 8% year-on-year, accounting for over half of Guangxi’s total foreign trade during the period. ASEAN has maintained its position as Guangxi’s largest trading partner for 26 consecutive years.
Also in attendance were diplomats from ASEAN missions in Nanning and Guangzhou, senior officials from Hong Kong SAR Guangxi Liaison Unit, China Post, Bank of China, and representatives from chambers of commerce.