NANNING, 30 SEPTEMBER 2024 – The East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) has successfully showcased local entrepreneurs at the 21st China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO), held in Nanning, China, from 24-28 September 2024. The participation of six leading entrepreneurs from the East Coast Economic Region (ECER), representing diverse industries, highlights the growing international demand for ECER products and marks another milestone in strengthening Malaysia-China trade relations. 

ECERDC is one of the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) strategic partners for CAEXPO 2024 and platforms like CAEXPO allow us to empower our entrepreneurs to expand beyond domestic markets, positioning ECER as a key player in both the ASEAN and China regions,” said YBhg. Dato’ Baidzawi Che Mat, Chief Executive Officer of ECERDC. 

“The China market presents vast opportunities, and ECERDC is fully dedicated to providing our entrepreneurs with the support they need to succeed internationally. CAEXPO serves as a vital opportunity for ECER entrepreneurs, giving them the platform for product testing and to showcase their products on the global stage,” added YBhg. Dato’ Baidzawi Che Mat. 

ECERDC’s continued presence in CAEXPO also aligns with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China this year, further enhancing its commitment to fostering international partnerships and market preparedness for local entrepreneurs. The successful participation of ECER entrepreneurs in CAEXPO has not only opened doors to international markets but is also expected to generate new business deals, create job opportunities, and drive economic growth, further elevating Malaysia’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on the global stage. 

A highlight of this year’s CAEXPO is the breakthrough success of Tokku Lekor Sdn Bhd, a leading producer of keropok lekor (fish crackers) from Terengganu, which has successfully entered the highly competitive Chinese market. This marks a major milestone for the company, transitioning from a local business to an international player. 

“Expanding into the Chinese market has transformed our business. The support from ECERDC has helped us navigate the complexities of international trade and meet global 

demand. Our success in China is just the beginning as we aim to continue growing internationally,” said Nurul Hana Nordin of Tokku Lekor Sdn. Bhd. 

Other ECER-based entrepreneurs who have successfully penetrated the Chinese market and are poised for further expansion include Hamie Industries Sdn Bhd from Marang, Terengganu, specializing in pre-mixed coffee, and Inforana Holdings Sdn Bhd from Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, renowned for their ready-to-eat meals such as nasi dagang, nasi lemak, and a variety of sambals. Additionally, TSI Food Industries Sdn Bhd, based in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, offers a wide range of snacks and kerepek, while Yalijaya Utama Sdn Bhd from Kuantan, Pahang, is known for its premium bird’s nest products. MISG Global Sdn Bhd, a pre-mixed coffee producer from Machang, Kelantan, made its debut at CAEXPO 2024, marking a significant milestone in its international expansion. 

For MISG Global Sdn Bhd, CAEXPO 2024 represented a pivotal moment in the company’s growth. It marked their first participation in the renowned international trade event, offering them invaluable exposure to consumer preferences, emerging market trends, and the nuances of operating in foreign markets. 

“Participating in a major international event like CAEXPO is beyond anything we could have imagined. As a business owner coming from a small town like Machang, Kelantan, having this opportunity is a huge blessing for us. It gives us a chance to showcase our products on a global platform, something we never thought was possible without the help of ECERDC,” said Mohd Noorazlan Mustafa of MISG Global Sdn. Bhd. 

In addition to supporting local entrepreneurs, ECERDC has been leveraging CAEXPO 2024 as a platform to attract foreign investment to the East Coast Economic Region. High-level meetings with potential investors and participation in key forums helped strengthen ties with Chinese investors and foster new opportunities for investment in ECER’s thriving sectors, including agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing. 

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ABOUT ECER AND ECERDC 

ECER, which covers the states of Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and the districts of Mersing and Segamat in Johor, is a rapidly transforming region that is steadily positioning itself as a distinctive, dynamic, and competitive destination for investments. 

The East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) is a statutory body established to spearhead the execution and implementation of the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) Master Plan. ECERDC plays a lead role in setting the directions, policies and strategies for the socio-economic development of ECER by promoting and facilitating investments into the Region. 

Geographically, it covers a total area of over 69,000 sq km or 52% of Peninsular Malaysia. It is home to some 5 million people, or about 15% of the total national population. The economic growth in the Region is driven by six key economic clusters, namely Tourism, Oil, Gas & Petrochemical, Manufacturing, Agribusiness, Human Capital and Entrepreneurship Development as well as Logistics and Services. These clusters are supported by developments in Transportation, Infrastructure, Property and Environment to make the Region an ideal destination for business, investments, and quality living. 

For media inquiries, kindly contact: 

Nadhirah Naaim 

Senior Executive, Media Relations 

East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) 

Tel: 03-8885 0166 / 017-230 3924 

Email: nadhirahn@ecerdc.com.my