Malaysia remains China’s top Asean trade partner with RM33.88 billion

Friday, May 24, 2013


BEIJING: 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 yesterday.

“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

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