Malaysian digital businesses have presented their products and services at the fifth Global Digital Trade Expo in Hangzhou, as the country seeks a larger share of international technology trade. The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation, or MATRADE, brought together 15 exhibitors and four government agencies at the Malaysia Pavilion. The exhibition ran from September 23 to 27 at the Hangzhou Grand Convention and Exhibition Centre.

MATRADE chief executive officer Datuk Abu Bakar Yusof said Malaysian digital and technology-based companies had the capability to compete internationally. Participation in the expo formed part of efforts to reach China's large digital market. He said MATRADE was also seeking business opportunities in second-, third- and fourth-tier Chinese cities. Its export strategy includes a broader range of technology products and solutions.

The pavilion featured digital trade services, artificial intelligence, cloud services, smart healthcare and cross-border e-commerce. These were the areas highlighted in MATRADE's statement on the exhibition. The agency also exchanged a memorandum of understanding with the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China. The agreement aims to strengthen the export capacity of Malaysian micro, small and medium enterprises and improve their access to China, including through a cross-border digital trade platform.

The expo carried the theme “Meeting the AI Future” and occupied 170,000 square metres. International exhibitors accounted for more than 20 per cent of that space. Malaysia and Hungary were the joint Countries of Honour, while participants came from 121 countries and regions and 29 international organisations. For the Malaysian delegation, the event provided a setting to present technology offerings and pursue commercial opportunities with potential customers and partners.