RM60 Million target in Deals with 200 Malaysia and China Exhibitors

2 December 2024

KUALA LUMPUR: The highly anticipated 2024 Malaysia E-Commerce Product Selection Expo has officially launched at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), marking a significant milestone in Malaysia's expanding trade relations with China.

Featuring over 200 prominent Chinese and local brands, the Expo aims to enhance bilateral economic ties and broaden business opportunities throughout Southeast Asia. The event is projected to generate a transaction volume of RM60 million and coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China this year.

"In the words of a famous Chinese saying: ‘The predecessors plant trees, and the next generation enjoys the shade.’ This reminds us that the efforts of past leaders have established a strong foundation for our ongoing pursuit of shared prosperity and collaborative growth. It is now our responsibility to uphold and expand upon that legacy," stated Albert Chan, Managing Director of JMM Holding and JMM Exhibition, the organiser of the Expo, during his opening remarks.

The Expo distinguishes itself with its diverse participation, showcasing nearly 200 exhibitors from both Malaysia and China across various sectors, including new energy solutions, smart electrical technologies, fashion, lifestyle products, and home innovations.

Chan emphasized the transformative potential of the event as a platform for fostering bilateral business connections and benefiting local consumers. "With 80% of exhibitors hailing from China and 20% from Malaysia, this distribution underscores the strong interest from Chinese companies looking to leverage Malaysia as a strategic gateway to Southeast Asia," he noted.

The presence of international business delegations from China and Pakistan further underscores the significance of the inaugural Expo, highlighting Malaysia's pivotal role as a multicultural and multilingual hub for regional trade across Southeast Asia.

The Malaysia E-Commerce Product Selection Expo arrives at a time of heightened cooperation between Malaysia and China, particularly as the two nations celebrate the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties in 2024. The event also coincides with China's recent announcement of a 30-day visa-free policy extension for Malaysian citizens, which is expected to further boost cross-border partnerships.

"This initiative reflects the deepening ties between our two nations and signals greater opportunities for collaboration in the months and years ahead," Chan remarked.

He emphasised that the Expo symbolizes decades of mutual trust and shared goals, offering a key opportunity for businesses to connect, exchange ideas, and explore new avenues for growth.

Aligned with Malaysia's national commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) priorities, as outlined in the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and the 2025 National Budget, which allocates over RM300 million to the transition of the local energy sector, the Expo showcases cutting-edge green technologies. These innovations include solar photovoltaics (PV), energy storage systems, charging piles, lighting, domestic appliances, and other eco-friendly solutions, in line with the Malaysian government's goal of achieving 31% renewable energy by 2025 and net-zero emissions by 2050.

As a landmark inaugural event, the 2024 Malaysia E-Commerce Product Selection Expo is expected to attract more than 15,000 visitors and facilitate RM60 million in trade transactions over the course of its three-day run.

The positive outlook for the event reflects the growing role of Malaysia-China collaboration in driving economic growth, innovation, and sustainability. The success of this year's Expo is expected to pave the way for broader participation in future editions, further strengthening bilateral trade ties and positioning Malaysia as a key regional business hub.

The 2024 Malaysia E-Commerce Product Selection Expo is jointly organised by the Malaysia Guangdong Chamber of Commerce (MGCC) and supported by several prominent organizations, including the Malaysia-China Friendship Association (PPMC), The Electrical and Electronics Association of Malaysia (TEEAM), and the Standards and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia (SIRIM), etc.

On top of that, recognising shifts in consumer behaviour post-pandemic, JMM Exhibition has also extended the event's reach through partnerships with over 120 local multiracial live-streamers throughout the 3-day exhibition, blending online and offline shopping experiences to boost trade volumes. This strong backing from key industry associations reinforces the event's credibility and bolsters the organizers' confidence in its success.

"With Kuala Lumpur marking the first step in this journey, this Expo serves as a pivotal milestone, and we look forward to expanding our footprint across Southeast Asia in the years to come," Chan added.

The opening ceremony was attended by YB Ng Chin Tsai, Member of the Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly for Temiang, Dato' Tang Zhi Nian, President of the Malaysia Guangdong Chamber of Commerce, and Dato' Sri Foo Yong Hing, Deputy President of the organisation.