At the ongoing fifth China International Consumer Products Expo, 39 Malaysian companies are showcasing 41 brands -- from buttery cookies to culturally inspired handbags -- in a vibrant display of cross-cultural creativity aimed at tapping into China's booming consumer market.
The six-day event, which opened in Haikou on Sunday, has brought together exhibitors from more than 70 countries and regions, covering emerging fields such as the digital sector and green consumption.
At Malaysia's food booth, the rich aroma of butter cookies wafted through the air. A well-established household name in Malaysia for over two decades, the company is now turning its attention to China.
"This is our first expo [presence] in Hainan, and the crowd's energy is incredible. Now we're targeting China's youth with vibrant packaging and in-person tastings. The market's potential? Massive," said Patrick Ku, Marketing Manager of Global Premium Resources Sdn Bhd.
Just steps away, intricately designed handbags combine China's traditional Song brocade -- a silk craft renowned for its luxurious sheen and durability -- with Southeast Asian patterns. The product line is tailored to resonate with China's younger generation.
"We fused Chinese cultural confidence with Southeast Asian heritage. This isn't just a bag -- it's intangible cultural heritage reborn. See the Song brocade pattern? It's about resonating with Gen-Z's love for Chinese culture," said Joane Zhao, founder of Tingxu Creation and Beauty Life.
The Song brocade, as its name implies, is a kind of brocade developed during the Song Dynasty (960-1279) in ancient China. It is mainly produced in east China's Suzhou City -- the "Silk City" in ancient China.
In 2024, the bilateral trade volume between China and Malaysia reached 212 billion U.S. dollars. China has remained Malaysia's largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years.
With incentives under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the world's largest free trade deal to date, and the Hainan Free Trade Port, more and more Malaysian brands see Hainan as a gateway.
"We're here to have a look and learn from others. In fact, we have always wanted to introduce our products, our best products, to Chinese consumers," said Tang Zhongjian, director of Enzy Production Sdn Bhd.
"Investment between Malaysia and China hinges on complementary strengths. When businesses cross borders -- be it Malaysian firms in China or vice versa -- they tap into unique advantages. That's how partnerships grow," said Datin Fan Shu Hua, secretary of Malaysia Promas International Business Society.
Malaysian products shine at consumer expo in south China's Hainan with cultural fusion
Malaysian products shine at consumer expo in south China's Hainan with cultural fusion
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
