AHMAD ZAHID ATTENDS OPENING OF 8TH CHINA INTERNATIONAL IMPORT EXPO

From Mohd Hisham Abdul Rafar

SHANGHAI, Nov 5 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today attended the opening of the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre (NECC) here, at the invitation of the Chinese government.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural and Regional Development Office, in a statement, said this marks Ahmad Zahid’s first attendance at the expo and Malaysia’s sixth participation at the highest level since the inaugural edition in 2018.

The opening ceremony was officiated by Chinese Premier Li Qiang, whose presence underscored China’s strong commitment to global trade cooperation and international market openness, further cementing CIIE’s status as one of the world’s most influential economic exhibitions.

CIIE is a flagship initiative of the Chinese government that serves as a major platform for countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to promote and export their goods and services to China.

Ahmad Zahid, who is Minister of Rural and Regional Development, is on a four-day working visit to Shanghai from Nov 4 to 7.

During the visit, Ahmad Zahid is also scheduled to officiate the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) Shanghai 2025 on Nov 6. The showcase runs from Nov 5 to 10 in conjunction with CIIE.

MIHAS@Shanghai marks the second international edition following the success of MIHAS@Dubai 2024, aligning with CIIE’s standing as one of the world’s largest trade platforms.

“China remains one of Malaysia’s most important trading partners. Through platforms such as CIIE and MIHAS@Shanghai, we not only reinforce our bilateral economic relations but also create new opportunities for Malaysia’s halal industry and SMEs to access high-value global markets,” he said.

The working visit reflects Malaysia’s continued commitment to strengthening economic, trade, and investment ties with China, in line with the government’s policy to expand international market access for Malaysian products, particularly in the halal and rural development sectors.

-- BERNAMA