Malaysia remains China’s top Asean trade partner

Business & Markets 2013
Written by Bernama
Thursday, 23 May 2013 15:50
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BEIJING (May 23): Malaysia continues to be China's top trading partner
in Asean, with bilateral trade between both countries hitting US$33.88
billion (RM102.21 billion) in the first quarter of this year, up 23.9 per
cent year-on-year.
Malaysia's exports to China between January to April this year
increased 7.3 per cent year-on-year, while imports from China were up
55.8 per cent compared to the previous year, said executive vice
secretary-general of the China-Asean Business Council, Xu Ningning.
China-Asean two-way trade totalled US$138.97 billion (RM419.26
billion) in the first four months of this year, up 18.1 per cent
year-on-year, Xu told a press conference here today.
"China's exports to the Asean region have risen 30.6 per cent
year-on-year, while imports from Asean countries have increased 6.5
per cent compared to last year," he said.
Earlier, Xu said a total of 60 Chinese and 45 Asean companies are on
the first China-Asean Bidirectional Recommended Famous Brands list.
The Chinese list comprises food, medicine and health products,
instrumentation, building materials and cement, while the Asean list
includes jewellery, beer, coffee, fishing gear, condiments, logistics and
banking services.
The event aims to enhance enterprise development between China and
Asean countries with a focus on healthy growth in bilateral trade.
"It also aims to strengthen cooperation in brand building, enhance
productivity within the region, and increase its global competitiveness,"
Xu said.
The next list will be announced in the next quarter, he said.
Minister Counsellor (Economy) in the Malaysian Embassy in China, Ong Chong Yi, told Bernama that Malaysia would
recommend high-value furniture, jewellery, rubber and food products to the list.
"We will recommand products from potential areas of economic cooperation," he added.
Currently, three Malaysian companies -- engaged in electrical products, busduct system and health food, personal care and
home furnishing products -- are on the list. - Bernama