Chinese food companies stole the show and captured the interest of Malaysians as the 20th China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) 2023 Roadshow (Malaysia) & Guangxi Export Fair commenced in Malaysia. The event, held in conjunction with the 2023 Malaysian International Food & Beverage Trade Fair (MIFB), witnessed the enthusiastic participation of numerous Chinese companies eager to introduce their products to both Malaysian and international consumers.
A wide range of products were showcased at the expo, including meat and poultry, fish and seafood, dairy, beverages, confectionery and snacks, health food, packaging, and food processing equipment. The event offered a glimpse into the rich culinary diversity of China, presenting many unique products from the country.
During the opening ceremony, Tang Hai, the general manager of Guangxi CAEXPO International Exhibition Group, emphasized the collaborative efforts between Chinese partners and MIFB to foster closer cooperation, particularly in the food industry, between China and Malaysia. He highlighted the significance of the roadshow as an essential economic and trade activity associated with the China-ASEAN Expo, a prestigious international expo. This marked the first time the China-ASEAN Expo roadshow was held in Malaysia, further strengthening the robust friendship and trade relations between the two nations, capitalizing on people-to-people and business-to-business connections.
The expo will take place from July 12 to 14, serving as a precursor to this year’s 20th China-ASEAN Expo scheduled for September 16 to 19 in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in southern China.
Chan Foong Hin, the Malaysian Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, encouraged all participating countries and regions at MIFB to leverage Malaysia’s fertile lands, tropical climate, and rich cultural heritage. These factors have contributed to the creation of a diverse range of unique food products and flavors, forming the foundation of a multi-billion-dollar industry.
Hin highlighted Malaysia’s promising agrifood industry, which contributed a substantial 173.9 billion ringgit (37.3 billion U.S. dollars) to the country’s economy in 2022, accounting for 11.5 percent of Malaysia’s total GDP.
MIFB serves as a platform for showcasing Malaysia’s finest offerings and discovering the latest trends and innovations in the international food and beverage industry. Hin emphasized the potential for growth, enhanced competitiveness, and ensured food security for nations and beyond through collaborative efforts.
Aligning with this year’s MIFB theme, “Accelerating ASEAN’s Food Security and Sustainability,” Hin expressed the government’s commitment to developing a sustainable and technology-based agrifood sector to drive economic growth. Additionally, he emphasized the focus on improving the well-being of the people, prioritizing food security and nutrition, and addressing the challenges along the food supply chain, encompassing agricultural inputs to food waste management.
