Chongqing - The 5th Western China International Fair for Investment and Trade (WCIFIT) opened on May 18th in Chongqing. Malaysia took center stage this year as the guest country of honor and held a grand opening ceremony at the Chongqing International Expo Center.

As the ceremony unfolded, a surge of visitors flooded into Malaysia's exhibition hall, eager to explore the diverse range of products and offerings on display. The pavilion showcased a variety of Malaysian specialties, including palm oil, the renowned Musang King durian, aromatic white coffee, and the exquisite bird's nest. Additionally, educational institutions offering consultation services for studying abroad in Malaysia were also present, catering to the interests of aspiring students.

Notably, Malaysia had an impressive presence at the fair, with 34 participating companies representing various sectors such as food, agriculture, and education. The showcased products were distinctively Malaysian and enjoyed significant recognition on the international stage.

In the afternoon, the Malaysia pavilion hosted a productive Malaysia-China business matching session, attracting numerous Chinese companies in search of potential collaboration opportunities. 

Jiang Bo, Senior Marketing Manager of the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) Chengdu Representative Office, highlighted the immense interest expressed by Chinese enterprises in palm oil and durian. 

He noted that palm oil had gained substantial popularity in the domestic market in recent years due to its wide range of applications. Many companies strongly desired to leverage the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor (ILSTC) to incorporate palm oil and its derivatives into the food industry. Both parties also aspired to utilize the strategic port of Chongqing to distribute products across the surrounding regions.

Jiang Bo further mentioned the surging demand for Malaysian durians, which prompted numerous inquiries at the fair. Under the existing bilateral agreement between China and Malaysia, Malaysian durians could enter China through a specialized liquid nitrogen freezing process. While this preservation method ensures the fruit's freshness, it does involve intricate procedures and higher costs. Fruit importers and industry associations from China actively engaged in discussions, seeking to establish partnerships with qualified and stable factories.

Apart from trade prospects, the fair also captured the attention of enterprises interested in Malaysia's esteemed higher education programs. Representatives from renowned universities shared valuable information on the country's educational offerings, further enhancing the event's atmosphere.