KUALA LUMPUR: The 2024 Malaysia E-Commerce Product Selection Expo kicked off on Nov 29, marking a significant milestone for Malaysia's growing trade relations with China.
The expo, took place at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) and attracted more than 15,000 visitors.
The three-day event also brought together over 200 leading Chinese and local brands to showcase their products, with a transaction volume projection of RM60 million.
JMM Holding and JMM Exhibition managing director Albert Chan said: "As the famous Chinese saying goes, 'The predecessors plant trees, and the next generation enjoys the shade.'
"This reminds us that the efforts of past leaders have laid a strong foundation, upon which we continue to build our shared prosperity and collaborative growth. Now, it is our responsibility to carry forward and expand upon that legacy," he said in his opening remarks.
GROWING BILATERAL ENGAGEMENT
The expo stood out for its diverse participation of exhibitors spanning a wide range of sectors including new energy solutions, smart electrical technologies, fashion, lifestyle products and smart home innovations.
Chan emphasised the transformative potential of this event as a platform where bilateral business connections can flourish and local consumers benefit.
"With 80 per cent of exhibitors from China and 20 per cent from Malaysia, this distribution highlights the strong interest from China-based companies seeking to leverage Malaysia as a strategic gateway to Southeast Asia," Chan noted.
The presence of international business delegations from China and Pakistan further underscored the significance of the inaugural expo, highlighting Malaysia's pivotal role as a multicultural and multilingual hub for regional trade across Southeast Asia.
COMMITMENT TO COLLABORATION
The Malaysia E-Commerce Product Selection Expo arrived 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 coincided with China's recent announcement of a 30-day visa-free policy extension for Malaysian citizens, which is expected to boost cross-border partnerships further.
"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 symbolises decades of mutual trust and shared goals, offering a key opportunity for businesses to connect, exchange ideas and explore new avenues for growth.
GREEN INNOVATIONS
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 also showcased cutting-edge green technologies.
These innovations include solar photovoltaics, energy storage systems, charging piles, lighting, domestic appliances and other eco-friendly solutions, in line with the Malaysian government's goal of achieving 31 per cent renewable energy by 2025 and net-zero emissions by 2050.
LOOKING AHEAD
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 was jointly organised by the Malaysia Guangdong Chamber of Commerce and supported by several prominent organisations, including the Malaysia-China Friendship Association, The Electrical and Electronics Association of Malaysia, and the Standards and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia.
Recognising shifts in consumer behaviour post-pandemic, expo organiser JMM Exhibition also extended the event's reach through partnerships with over 120 local multiracial live-streamers throughout the three-day exhibition, blending online and offline shopping experiences to boost trade volumes.
"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 concluded.
For the latest updates on the 2024 Malaysia E-Commerce Product Selection Expo, visit this website.