Recently, Mohamad Haris Abdul Latiff, Consul (Trade) of the Consulate General of Malaysia in Guangzhou, stated in an interview with Southern Net and Yuexuexi that this growth highlights the deepening mutual trust and closer integration of interests between China and Malaysia. Against this backdrop, Guangdong has consistently maintained its position as a key partner and a "long-time collaborator" for Malaysia.

As one of China's most industrialized and economically vibrant provinces, Guangdong is Malaysia's second-largest provincial trading partner and its largest source of imports.

Haris noted that in 2024, trade between Malaysia and Guangdong experienced significant growth, with Malaysian exports including electrical and electronic products, palm oil and its derivatives, rubber products, and chemical-based goods.This trend not only reflects the rising demand for Malaysian products in the Chinese market but also demonstrates the strengthening and deepening of supply chain integration between businesses in both regions.

When discussing the reasons behind the deepening economic and trade cooperation between Malaysia and Guangdong, Haris pointed out that Malaysia's active participation in major trade fairs in Guangdong has significantly boosted economic collaboration.

"The Canton Fair, the world's largest trade exhibition, continues to serve as a vital platform for Malaysian exporters to showcase their products, including processed foods, halal-certified goods, and advanced industrial solutions. In recent years, Malaysian companies have actively participated in the Canton Fair, which not only provides opportunities for exporters but also attracts many Malaysian businesses seeking innovative products and technologies from China," said Haris.

Additionally, Haris highlighted the China International Small and Medium Enterprises Fair (CISMEF) held in Guangzhou in November 2024, where Malaysia was honored as the Country Partner.

At the CISMEF, Malaysian companies fully utilized the platform to showcase their outstanding achievements and deep expertise in the digital economy, sustainable technology, modern agriculture, and the halal industry.

"These international exhibitions in Guangdong have not only successfully gathered numerous Chinese enterprises but also sparked their strong interest in collaborating with Malaysian businesses for mutual development," he said.

In recent years, the trend of Guangdong enterprises expanding overseas has become increasingly prominent. Haris noted that more Guangdong companies are sourcing high-quality raw materials from Malaysia to strengthen their supply chain partnerships, particularly in manufacturing, technology park development, renewable energy, and infrastructure projects.

"This trend aligns with Malaysia's New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030), which focuses on attracting high-quality and sustainable investments in advanced industries. Notably, last year, Guangdong enterprises actively participated in the world's largest halal fair, MIHAS (Malaysia International Halal Showcase), and the Malaysia-China Summit in Kuala Lumpur, both as exhibitors and hosted buyers, demonstrating Guangdong's strong commitment to deepening trade and investment collaboration with Malaysia," said Haris.

With the continuous deepening of trade relations between Malaysia and China, Haris introduced that MATRADE Guangzhou is intensifying its efforts to further expand market penetration and enhance trade facilitation.

Looking ahead to 2025, he expressed optimism about the economic and trade cooperation between Malaysia and Guangdong, stating, "Malaysia will continue to strengthen its economic partnership with Guangdong, fostering innovation and achieving greater success together. We look forward to more collaborative projects that will elevate our trade and investment relations to unprecedented levels."

Haris said, "In 2024, Malaysia celebrates 50 years of diplomatic relations with China, and in 2025, Malaysia will assume the role of ASEAN Chair. Against this backdrop, as a major manufacturing and trading province, we anticipate greater development in the economic and trade relations between Malaysia and Guangdong. Key areas such as smart manufacturing, sustainable supply chains, and digital trade ecosystems will drive future growth."