PMs of M'sia and China officiate at opening of 8th China-Asean Expo

NANNING (China): The Eighth Edition of the China-Asean Expo began today, jointly officiated by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and his Malaysian counterpart Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who flew in last night.

The expo, dubbed as one of the largest trade exhibitions in China, is held annually in this Green City and has been highly credited as an effective platform to promote cooperation between China and Asean in trade, investment and tourism fields.

Malaysia's participation this year is the largest since the inception of CAEXPO in 2004. It is special and significant as Malaysia is the Country of Honour," International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said.

He said CAEXPO played an important role in strengthening bilateral trade relations between China and Malaysia as a strategic networking platform. "It serves as an ideal platform for Malaysia to promote its products and services to the huge China market and the Asean market.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak (left) holds breakfast-meeting with China's Prime Minister Wen Jiabao at the Li Yuan Resort in Naning today- Bernama

"This combined market of 1.9 billion population is the world's largest and this market has gained more prominence with the implementation of the Asean-China Free Trade Agreement on Jan 1, 2010, which has reduced tariff and trade barriers between China and Asean countries," he said.

Among the 146 Malaysian exhibitors, 16 are government agencies, 128 companies and two trade associations.

The Federal Agriculture Marketing Authority (FAMA) brought in 300kg of frozen durian, the first time since the Chinese government allowed importation of frozen durian from Malaysia on May 11, 2011.

Also setting up booth in the Malaysia Pavilion placed right at the centre of Hall 5 of the spacious Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Centre is Top Fruits Sdn Bhd, which yesterday signed agreements with Shanghai Qinyan Economy and Raccines World Company.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak speaks at the opeing of the 8th China-Asean expo in Naning today. - Bernama

The deals, witnessed by Mustapa, saw Top Fruits appointing Shanghai Qinyan and Raccines World as its frozen durian distributors for China's top trading provinces, Shanghai and Guangdong.

The Malaysia Pavilion covers 2,900 square metres. In addition, Tourism Malaysia will feature Johor Baharu at the Pavilion of Cities of Charm which occupies 270 square metres. - BERNAMA