Members of the Huazong delegation led by Goh (standing in the middle) posing with Chairman of the Shanghai Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese Thao Yung (third right) during the courtesy call. Standing on the left is Dato’ Wong Aik Loung, Dato’ Lam Kuang Yau (second left), and Dato’ Lim Kah Chuan (third left).
SHANGHAI: The Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong) has called on Malaysian businesses, especially Chinese businesses, to step up their efforts to enter the China market through the China International Import Expo (CIIE).
Its President Tan Sri T C Goh said that China, with its 1.4 billion population, of which 400 million belong to the middle-income group, is one of the world’s largest markets.
He also duly recognised the significant role played by the CIIE, describing it as a direct and major gateway for global enterprises and businesses, including those from Malaysia, to enter the vast Chinese market.
He noted that since it was first held in 2018, the CIIE has been successfully hosted for five terms, including this year (the 6th term), which is being held at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre here from Nov 5-10.
“And each time, it achieved the expected results, creating numerous business opportunities. It has become a direct and major gateway for global enterprises and businesses, including those from Malaysia, to enter the vast Chinese market,” he said.
Goh, who is also President of the Federation of Chinese Associations (FCAS), said this while leading the Huazong delegation in a courtesy call cum exchange of views with leaders of the Shanghai Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese. Also in attendance were Goh’s spouse Puan Sri Joanne Ho, Huazong Deputy President Dato’ Lim Kah Chuan and his wife, Huazong Vice President Dato’ Lam Kuang Yau and his wife, Huazong Secretary-General Datuk Dr Wong Aik Loung, its Vice Treasurer-General Dato’ Jeffrey Ng Chin Heng, Central Committee members Datuk Lee Teck Wah and Oh Kian Kiong, and Special Assistant to Huazong President Ben Goh, among others.
The international event themed ‘New Era, Shared Future’ was officially opened last Sunday with a keynote address by Chinese Premier Li Qiang and will conclude on the 10th of this month. It is the first comprehensive physical event held after the Covid-19 pandemic, with the participation of representatives from 154 countries, regions, and international organisations, including Malaysia. It showcases 442 new products, new technologies, or new services, with an exhibition area of 367,000 square metres and the participation of 289 of the world’s top 500 companies and industry leaders, making it the largest in the history of the event.
“In the 45 years since China’s reform and opening up, it has progressed rapidly and with great strength, attracting global investors to participate in its prosperity, achieving mutual benefits and win-win outcomes,” said Goh.
