HANGZHOU, CHINA, 24 SEPTEMBER 2026 – MATRADE leads 15 exhibitors at the 5th Global Digital Trade Expo as Malaysia makes its debut as Guest Country of Honour and strengthens digital trade ties with China.
Malaysia is showcasing its technology and digital trade capabilities at the 5th Global Digital Trade Expo (GDTE) in Hangzhou, China, marking the country’s first participation in the international expo as Guest Country of Honour.
Coordinated by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), the Malaysia Pavilion brings together 15 exhibitors, including four government agencies, to showcase Malaysian capabilities across digital trade, artificial intelligence (AI), cloud services, smart healthcare and cross-border e-commerce.
The expo is taking place from 23 to 27 September 2026 at the Hangzhou Grand Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim Officiates Malaysia Pavilion
Malaysia’s participation was officially marked by the presence of Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who officiated the Malaysia Pavilion in person.
His presence at the Pavilion highlights Malaysia’s efforts to deepen its engagement with China’s rapidly growing digital economy and create greater opportunities for Malaysian technology companies in the market.
For MATRADE, the participation also supports Malaysia’s wider strategy of expanding its presence in China by diversifying both its geographical reach and export offerings.
Targeting China’s Growing Digital Economy
Dato’ Indera Abu Bakar Yusof, Chief Executive Officer of MATRADE, said Malaysian digital and technology companies have the capabilities to compete in international markets, with GDTE providing an opportunity to access China’s expanding digital economy.
He said Malaysia’s participation also aligns with MATRADE’s export strategy of expanding into second-, third- and fourth-tier cities in China while diversifying the country’s product mix to include more high-technology goods and solutions.
The strategy reflects the growing importance of digital trade and technology-driven exports in strengthening Malaysia’s position within regional and global markets.
MATRADE and ICBC Sign MoU to Support MSME Exports
Alongside Malaysia’s participation at GDTE, MATRADE exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), one of the world’s largest banks.
The partnership aims to strengthen the export capacity of Malaysian micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and facilitate their access to the Chinese market.
The collaboration will also explore opportunities to support Malaysian businesses through cross-border digital trade platforms, potentially making it easier for MSMEs to connect with customers and business partners in China.
The agreement adds a financial and digital trade dimension to Malaysia’s participation at GDTE, complementing the technology solutions being showcased at the Malaysia Pavilion.
Global Participation at the 5th GDTE
Held under the theme “Meeting the AI Future”, the 5th GDTE brings together exhibitors and participants from around the world.
International exhibitors account for more than 20% of the expo’s 170,000-square-metre exhibition area. Malaysia and Hungary are serving as joint Countries of Honour, while representatives from 121 countries and regions and 29 international organisations are participating in the event.
The scale of the expo provides Malaysian companies with an opportunity to engage international businesses and explore new partnerships within the digital economy.
Building Malaysia’s Digital Trade Hub Ambitions
Malaysia’s participation in the 5th GDTE reflects its ambition to strengthen its position as a digital trade hub within ASEAN and serve as a bridge between Southeast Asia and China.
The country is positioning its growing technology ecosystem, supportive government policies and expanding pipeline of technology-driven businesses as foundations for deeper international collaboration.
Through platforms such as GDTE, Malaysia aims to create opportunities for technology companies and MSMEs to expand their exports, establish partnerships and access new markets.
The Malaysia Pavilion therefore serves not only as a showcase of Malaysian digital capabilities, but also as a platform for strengthening commercial links between Malaysian businesses, Chinese partners and the wider global digital economy.
