KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 19 — Malaysia and Kazakhstan have committed to strengthening cooperation in agriculture and food security, including bilateral trade and research and development (R&D).
After a courtesy call from Kazakhstan’s Trade and Integration Minister Arman Shakkaliyev to Malaysia’s Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu last Wednesday, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) said the meeting discussed potential cooperation in the agri-food sector and agricultural technology.
This included opportunities for joint R&D between the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) and research institutions in Kazakhstan.
“Both parties also saw significant potential in the agricultural production sector through joint investments to address global food security issues,” said KPKM in a press release today.
“Malaysia and Kazakhstan also expressed their commitment to strengthening strategic cooperation in agriculture, food security, and modern agricultural technology.
“This visit is expected to explore the opening of market access for Malaysian agricultural products to Kazakhstan, such as composite products based on dairy or eggs as well as durian fruit.”
Shakkaliyev’s courtesy call to Mohamad’s office in Putrajaya was part of his visit to Malaysia in conjunction with the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2025.
According to KPKM, in 2024, the bilateral trade value in the agriculture sector between Malaysia and Kazakhstan reached RM201.42 million.
Of this amount, Malaysia’s exports were recorded at RM200.98 million, comprising mainly coffee, cocoa, tea, spices, and manufactured food products. Meanwhile, imports from Kazakhstan to Malaysia included a variety of food products.
Mohamad also invited Shakkaliyev and Kazakhstan to the 2026 Agriculture, Horticulture and Agro-Tourism Exhibition (MAHA) to promote bilateral trade in agriculture and food security.
Also present at Shakkaliyev’s visit were KPKM deputy secretary-general (policy) Norazman Ayob and senior ministry officials.
