Awang Tengah (third right) presents a souvenir to Ahmad Zahid at CIIE 2025 in Shanghai.
KUCHING (Nov 6): Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan has urged more Sarawak small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to leverage international trade platforms such as the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (Mihas) to expand exports and boost the state’s visibility in China and other global markets.
The State Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment said Sarawak’s trade with China reached RM27.3 billion in 2024, with key exports including petroleum products, palm oil and chemicals.
Awang Tengah, who is leading a Sarawak delegation to Shanghai for the launch of the Malaysia Pavilion at the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) 2025, said such events provide valuable exposure for Sarawak products.
He was accompanied by Deputy Minister Datuk Malcolm Mussen Lamoh, ministry advisor Dato Sri Naroden Majais, permanent secretary Dzulkornain Masron, and InvestSarawak chief executive officer Timothy Ong.
The Malaysia Pavilion, officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, also features Mihas Shanghai 2025 at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre.
Five Sarawak companies are taking part — SPL Food Industries Sdn Bhd (gula apong products), Iana Corporation Sdn Bhd (kek lapis), Joyees Trading Sdn Bhd (pepper products), Nationfood Sdn Bhd (tempe chips) and PPES Ternak Sdn Bhd (corned beef) — all of which have attracted strong interest from Chinese buyers.
This year’s Mihas Shanghai @ Malaysia Pavilion marks Malaysia’s largest participation at CIIE to date, spanning over 200,000 square metres and showcasing 250 companies.
Malaysia and China, which celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relations last year, recorded US$106.06 billion in bilateral trade, with China maintaining its position as Malaysia’s largest trading partner for the 16th consecutive year.
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