HANOI (Bernama): Malaysia and Vietnam signed an agreement to strengthen bilateral agricultural cooperation, which will give a strong impetus to the sector and the agro-food segment.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu signed the memorandum of understanding with newly appointed Vietnamese Agriculture and Environment Minister Trịnh Viet Hung in Hanoi on Thursday.
"As part of the country's food security agenda, Malaysia sees Vietnam as a key strategic partner as the largest exporter of rice to Malaysia and hopes that the close cooperation already established can continue to guarantee competitive and stable rice prices for the needs of the local market,” Mohamad Sabu said in a press statement.
The meeting also emphasised efforts to increase market access for Malaysian products to Vietnam, namely value-added products based on chicken, pasteurised liquid eggs, duck products, swiftlet nests, and pet food.
The minister also highlighted the importance of developing a sustainable fisheries sector by focusing on aquaculture as an area of strategic cooperation.
"This cooperation is seen as having the potential to position Malaysia and Vietnam as leaders in the ASEAN region in promoting sustainable fishing practices,” said Mohamad.
Agricultural trade relations between Malaysia and Vietnam have been on robust momentum, reaching RM12.64 billion last year.
Malaysia exported a range of food products, while imports from Vietnam included coffee, cocoa, tea, spices, and processed food items.
Malaysia views Vietnam as a key strategic partner, as the largest exporter of rice to Malaysia, and hopes that close cooperation will continue to guarantee competitive and stable rice prices for the needs of the local market.
Mohamad also expressed concern over the world's food security challenges that are worsening due to international conflicts, climate change, and economic instability.
Malaysia hopes that cooperation with Vietnam can help face these challenges through agricultural modernisation and digital transformation in the food supply chain.
During his inaugural meeting with the newly appointed minister, Mohamad also extended an invitation to Vietnam to participate in the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Exhibition (MAHA) from August 28 to September 6 this year.
This year’s exhibition is themed "Value Creation for Food Security”. -- BERNAMA
