KOTA KINABALU: Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) has urged for more companies in Sabah to participate in the 16th China-Asean Exposition (CAEXPO), to be held in Nanning, China from Sept 20 to 23.
Matrade China and Northeast Asia Section senior manager Hasziah Mohd Yazid said Sabah-based companies, especially those involved in tourism and services sectors, were suitable for the expo.
"Sabah’s diverse range of products and services such as those in the tourism sector, are perfect to be highlighted and promoted at the expo.
"As the country's aim to attract 8 million tourists from China this year and Sabah being one of the top tourist destinations, this is the right time to take advantage of the situation," she said, after the CAEXPO 2019 roadshow, here, today.
Also present were China’s Consul-General in Kota Kinabalu, Liang Caide and CAEXPO vice secretary general Yang Yanyan.
Themed “Building Belt & Road Routes, Realising Our Vision for A Community of Shared Future", CAEXPO is the largest overseas trade fair which Matrade takes part in terms of participants and space.
Hasziah said participation in the exhibition will also increase awareness on the China-Asean Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) as well as business opportunities under the Belt and Road initiative, particularly in trade, investment and tourism.
In 2018, Malaysia's total trade with China stood at RM313. 81 billion compared to RM290. 40 billion in 2017.
Malaysia's export to China was valued at RM138.88 billion while import at RM174.93 billion.
This year, the Malaysia Pavilion at the CAEXPO has a capacity of 180 booths, capable of featuring 180 companies.
To date, 150 exhibitors and agencies including four from Sabah have registered for the expo.
Last year, the Malaysia Pavilion occupied 180 booths involving 174 Malaysian exhibitors and 12 government agencies saw them generate total sales of RM639.66 million, an increase of 58 per cent from the previous year.
Matrade is targeting sales of RM650 million at this year’s expo.
The registration for the exposition can be made at www.matrade.gov.my before June 9.