Chairman Reezal Merican Naina Merican said during the period, Malaysia recorded RM44.5 billion worth of exports to China with electrical and electronics (E&E) products being the biggest exports.

“E&E products made up 32.6% of the country’s total exports to the world’s second-largest economy,” he said in his keynote address at the 21st China-Asean Expo (CAEXPO) promotional conference today.

Meanwhile, imports were valued at RM67.78 billion comprising intermediate goods meant for the manufacture of products for exports such as E&E products, machinery, equipment, and parts, as well as chemicals and chemical products.

Reezal Merican said China remained Malaysia’s largest trading partner and primary source for imports last year, while Malaysia was China’s 10th largest global trading partner as well as the second largest trading partner within Asean.

About CAEXPO, he said Matrade is targeting 150 Malaysian companies to join the event, which will be held from Sept 24-28 this year in Nanning, China.

“This year would be special for Malaysia, as we have been invited to be the country of honour and the Malaysia Pavilion will be given special highlights.

“We will boast a significantly larger pavilion, providing ample space for Malaysian companies to showcase a wider range of offerings,” he said.

Reezal Merican said CAEXPO presents a golden opportunity for Malaysian companies to tap into China’s vast market.

At last year’s CAEXPO, the Malaysia pavilion which was officiated by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, recorded total sales of RM625.42 million and witnessed the signing of seven memoranda of understanding for potential sales.