Malaysia’s Participation at the 21st China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) and China-ASEAN Business & Investment Summit (CABIS)

Malaysia participated in the 21st China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) and China-ASEAN Business & Investment Summit (CABIS) from 22 to 25 September 2024 in Nanning, Guangxi Province, China. The Malaysian delegation, headed by YB Anthony Loke Siew Fook, Minister of Transport (MOT), included representatives from several key agencies, underscoring Malaysia’s commitment to enhancing trade and investment ties with China and ASEAN.

The delegation included senior officials from MOT, the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), MATRADE, the Consulate General of Malaysia in Nanning, Tourism Malaysia, and MIDA. Our Deputy CEO of Investment Development, Ms. Zalina Zainol, led MIDA’s efforts, playing a pivotal role in promoting Malaysia as a prime investment destination and facilitating discussions on enhancing bilateral relations with China.

One of the main highlights was the Roundtable Dialogue between the Government of Malaysia and CEOs of leading Chinese companies, co-organised by MIDA and the CABIS Secretariat. Industry giants such as Huawei Technologies, China Energy Engineering Corporation (Energy China), Chery Automobile Group, Shenzhen Capchem Technology, and Huatai Financial Holdings Group took part in the session, which was chaired by the Minister of Transport and moderated by MIDA’s Deputy CEO.

The dialogue attracted over 120 participants, including government officials and business leaders from both countries. The discussions focused on exploring collaboration opportunities in key sectors such as technology, energy, and automotive, helping to pave the way for future partnerships. Malaysia’s commitment to facilitating high-impact investments and fostering industrial cooperation with Chinese companies, especially in industries aligned with future growth, was clearly demonstrated during the event.

Beyond the roundtable dialogue, the Deputy CEO of MIDA showcased MIDA’s active involvement at several prominent events. She delivered insightful speeches at the China-ASEAN International Trade & Investment Conference and the ASEAN + 3 Industrial Chain & Supply Chain Partnering Conference, which collectively drew over 200 participants. These gatherings served as pivotal platforms for MIDA to underscore Malaysia’s strategic positioning within ASEAN and to illustrate its vibrant investment landscape to potential Chinese investors.

MIDA Guangzhou also played a key role during CAEXPO, participating in the Roundtable Meeting on Investment Cooperation with ASEAN Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) and the China-Malaysia Two Countries, Twin Parks Promotion Conference.

The Deputy CEO of MIDA also attended an official banquet hosted by H.E. Liu Ning, Party Secretary of Guangxi Province, and engaged with the Malaysian Chambers of Commerce in China (MAYCHAM) during a networking session, enhancing connections with key business leaders.

An important outcome of Malaysia’s participation was a one-on-one meeting facilitated by MIDA between a potential investor from Guangxi and the East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC). This engagement opened doors for potential investments in Malaysia’s east coast region, further showcasing the country’s position as a gateway to ASEAN markets.

Through these activities, Malaysia showcased its strength as a gateway to the ASEAN market and promoted investment opportunities in various sectors, including manufacturing, technology, infrastructure, and supply chain management. MIDA’s involvement in CAEXPO and CABIS further reinforced Malaysia’s standing as a preferred investment destination and strengthened its economic partnerships with China and ASEAN countries.