2025-01-17

Malaysia Invited as Guest of Honor for 2026 Harbin Trade Fair

    At the invitation of the Heilongjiang Provincial Government, the Malaysia-China Cultural and Tourism Promotion Association facilitated a delegation led by Malaysia’s Minister of Housing and Local Government, Nga Kor Ming, for an official visit to Heilongjiang from January 4 to 7, 2025. The visit included participation in the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival opening ceremony and visits to key institutions, such as the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) Heilongjiang Sub-Council, Heilongjiang Emergency Management Department, and Harbin Songbei Fire Rescue Bureau.

    On January 6, the delegation visited CCPIT Heilongjiang Sub-Council, where they were warmly received by President Chen Shijun, Vice President Yu Xuesong, Secretary-General Gao Guoliang, Director of the Liaison and Information Department Chen Zhiqiang, and Deputy Director of the Provincial Exhibition Center Tang Hongyu.

    The Malaysian delegation also included Member of Parliament Chow Yu Hui, Director-General of the Housing and Local Government Department Dato’ Mohd Fadzli Bin Mohd Kenali, Director of the New Village Development Department Lim Shean Lee, Special Task Officer David Tiang Dai Wei, Ministerial Special Officer Tan Boon Siang, and Vice President of the Malaysia-China Cultural Tourism Association Tan Tiong Yih.

Strengthening Bilateral Trade and Exhibition Collaboration

     Vice President Tan Tiong Yih noted, “This visit follows the Heilongjiang CCPIT delegation’s trip to Malaysia in January 2024, marking a significant step in advancing Malaysia-Heilongjiang trade and exhibition cooperation. CCPIT Heilongjiang has formally invited Malaysia to serve as the Guest of Honor for the 35th Harbin International Economic and Trade Fair (HTF) in 2026. This milestone will open a new chapter in bilateral economic relations.”

The Significance of HTF

    As a major platform for international trade, industrial collaboration, and open economic engagement in the Asia-Pacific region, HTF serves as a key window for fostering Malaysia-China trade and strengthening bilateral ties. With the guidance of the Malaysia-China Cultural and Tourism Promotion Association, Malaysia’s role as the Guest of Honor at the 2026 HTF is expected to further enhance economic and cultural exchanges.

A Legacy of Collaboration

    The Malaysia-China Cultural Tourism Association has a long-standing partnership with CCPIT Heilongjiang, formalized through a cooperation agreement. Together, they have facilitated multiple reciprocal visits, organized key events, and achieved milestones, including the successful participation of Tourism Pahang in the 32nd HTF in 2023. That event marked the first time Malaysia had an independent pavilion at the trade fair, effectively showcasing Pahang’s tourism sector to Northeast China and establishing collaborative relationships with Heilongjiang’s tourism enterprises.

    Looking forward, the Malaysia-China Cultural Tourism Association will continue to maintain strong ties with CCPIT Heilongjiang, pursuing further opportunities for collaboration and mutual growth.