Malaysia Strengthens Healthcare Trade Ties With Thailand At WHX Bangkok 2026
By Kenny Teng Khoon Hock
BANGKOK, July 8 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is strengthening its economic partnership with Thailand through its participation in the World Health Expo (WHX) Bangkok 2026, aimed at expanding bilateral cooperation in the healthcare and life sciences sectors.
Malaysian Ambassador to Thailand, Datuk Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah, said Malaysia’s participation reflects the close and longstanding bilateral relationship, with healthcare emerging as a key growth sector.
“Malaysia and Thailand have long enjoyed close diplomatic and economic ties. Our participation at WHX Bangkok 2026 marks another step towards strengthening bilateral trade and expanding healthcare cooperation,” he said in a statement on Wednesday.
WHX Bangkok 2026, held at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre from July 8-10, is expected to attract about 950 exhibitors and 26,000 global trade visitors, providing a platform for business networking, investment and regional collaboration.
Wan Zaidi said the Embassy of Malaysia and MATRADE Bangkok had been working closely with Thai government agencies, healthcare institutions and industry partners to maximise commercial opportunities for Malaysian companies.
He said that MATRADE Bangkok would continue to facilitate business linkages between Malaysian exporters and Thai importers, distributors, healthcare providers and investors beyond the exhibition.
The Malaysia Pavilion, led by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), features eight companies showcasing pharmaceuticals, medical devices, laboratory diagnostics, respiratory care, medical consumables and wellness products.
In conjunction with the exhibition, MATRADE will organise the Malaysia Healthcare Day Forum, bringing together government agencies, healthcare professionals and industry players from both countries to exchange expertise, strengthen business networks and explore collaboration opportunities.
The forum will also serve as a preview for the International Healthcare Week 2027, which will be hosted by Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysia exported US$8.06 billion worth of medical devices in 2025, including US$2.35 billion in medical gloves and US$1.27 billion in needles and catheters. Pharmaceutical exports totalled US$857.4 million, underscoring the country’s growing role as a trusted supplier of healthcare products (US$1=RM4.074).
-- BERNAMA