Guangzhou: Malaysia has proposed a stronger two-way cross-border e-commerce partnership with China to enable more high-quality local products to penetrate the vast Chinese market. Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong highlighted the need for a more balanced two-way trade mechanism, allowing Malaysian businesses to directly reach Chinese consumers.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sim emphasized that many Malaysian products, such as durian-based items, bird's nest, white coffee, handicrafts, and batik, are already well received in China. He expressed Malaysia's intent to strengthen this demand through enhanced e-commerce connections. Sim made these remarks during the opening of the 21st China International Small and Medium Enterprises Fair (CISMEF) and the launch of the Malaysia Pavilion in Guangzhou, China.
Sim, who is currently leading an international trade mission to the city, also discussed the proposal during his visit to Alibaba Group, aiming to explore direct e-commerce linkages for local entrepreneurs. Highlighting the trade performance of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), Sim noted that Malaysian MSME exports reached RM214.5 billion in 2025, marking a 10.5 percent increase year-on-year and accounting for nearly 15 percent of the country's total exports.
He stated that these figures demonstrate local MSMEs' capability to meet global standards, with the primary focus now being on providing them with greater access to international markets. A total of 12 Malaysian companies and cooperatives from the food, beverage, and health product sectors are participating in CISMEF to showcase local innovation and export potential.
Sim added that while the Pearl River Delta is known as the "Factory of the World" and Malaysia as the "Crossroads of Asia," the country's diversity and creativity could position it as the "Boutique of the World" by producing distinctive, high-value products. He expressed confidence that the long-standing diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China would continue to serve as a strong pillar for bilateral economic cooperation. Sim is also in Guangzhou to represent Malaysia at the 32nd APEC Small and Medium Enterprises Ministerial Meeting (SMEMM).