LINYI, Shandong (Oct 29): Bilateral trade relations between Malaysia and China continue to demonstrate strong momentum with deepening economic and global supply chain cooperation.
Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) Minister Counsellor and Trade Commissioner at the Embassy of Malaysia in Beijing, Niqman Rafaee M Sahar said these close strategic ties are being further empowered through the participation of various stakeholders at the 4th Linyi Trade City International Sourcing Conference, which kicks off on Wednesday.
“The bilateral trade between Malaysia and China surged by 35.1% year-on-year to RM456.68 billion from January to August 2026.
“Malaysian exports also recorded an increase of 23.7% to RM148.56 billion, reflecting continued growth in bilateral trade,” he said in his opening remarks at the 4th Linyi Trade City International Sourcing Conference today.
The conference, held from Oct 28 to 30, is attended by a 131-member Malaysian delegation led by the director of the Integrated Media Centre of the Malaysia-China Trade and Economic Advancement Association, Li Xiaoyan.
Themed 'Connecting Global Markets, Sourcing Quality Products Across the World', the conference is organised by the Linyi Municipal People's Government to serve as a premier platform for global businesses to engage in networking, cross-border procurement and strategic investments.
The conference has successfully attracted more than 5,000 domestic and international buyers to Linyi to explore new opportunities in international trade and cross-border supply chains.
Niqman Rafaee noted that China remains Malaysia’s largest trading partner, third-largest export destination and largest source of imports, while Malaysia maintains its position as China’s second-largest trading partner within Asean.
"At the provincial level, Malaysia’s trade with Shandong reached US$31.9 billion in 2025, making it Malaysia’s second-largest trading partner in China and a priority market for trade promotion," he said.
He also highlighted the significant potential for investment collaboration in high-growth sectors, including electrical and electronics (E&E), advanced manufacturing, green technology, digital services and high-value-added industrial products.
"Matrade sees vast opportunities to strengthen market access through emerging tier cities, industrial collaboration and strategic partnerships to help Malaysian businesses penetrate the Chinese market," he said.
Meanwhile, Linyi city mayor, Yu Shengtao in his speech said the event proves Linyi's strong position as a major commercial and logistics hub, as well as its commitment to opening up to global markets.
He welcomed more domestic and international businesses to invest and make Linyi a long-term partner for mutual economic development.
"Beyond trade, the involvement of Malaysian representatives comprising the diplomatic community, media, digital content creators and the business sector reflects the importance of people-to-people exchanges," said Yu.
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