Malaysia is looking to deepen its economic footprint in western China, with Chengdu and the surrounding region seen as a dynamic frontier for Malaysian exporters, the country's consul general to Kunming said on Thursday.

Muhamad Akmal Abdul Wahab, consul general of Malaysia in Kunming, made the remarks at the opening of the Malaysia pavilion at the 114th China Food and Drinks Fair (CFDF) in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province.

"Our presence here in Chengdu is not coincidental," Wahab said. "By being here, Malaysia is signaling its commitment to capitalizing on the growing demand for high-quality, safe, and premium products in this region."

Wahab noted that China has been Malaysia's largest trading partner for 17 consecutive years. Last year, Sichuan ranked as Malaysia's 10th largest trading partner among Chinese provincial-level regions, with bilateral trade totaling $4.66 billion.

"The partnership between Malaysia and China is stronger than ever. Through platforms like the CFDF, we are not just selling products, but also building bridges," Wahab said.

This year, the Malaysia pavilion features 10 booths hosting nine leading Malaysian companies, bringing local flavors to the Chinese market. The products include premium bird's nest, health supplements, ready-to-eat meals, traditional sauces, and premium snacks.

"We are creating opportunities for Malaysian SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) to find reliable partners in China, and for Chinese consumers to enjoy the best that Malaysia has to offer," Wahab added.

Raidee HJ Baharum, managing director of BRB Foods, said his company brought a range of coconut-based products to the event, including coconut cookies, coconut palm sugar, and coconut nectar.

The company's products have yet to enter the Chinese market, so its goal at the event is to find buyers, distributors, and wholesalers.

"China is a huge market," Baharum said, expressing optimism about his company's prospects in the country.