PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and Uzbekistan have agreed to strengthen business-to-business (B2B) cooperation in the agricultural sector as a step to translate the strategic relationship between the two countries into more tangible economic results.
The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry (KPKM) announced that the matter was agreed upon in a bilateral meeting between Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu and Minister of Agriculture of Uzbekistan Ibrokhim Abdurakhmonov in conjunction with his official working visit to Tashkent.
KPKM announced that both parties are of the view that the active involvement of companies and agricultural industry players from both countries is important to complement the existing government-to-government (G2G) relationship, especially in exploring new trade and investment opportunities.
"Both countries agreed to establish a committee to examine investment and trade opportunities in the agricultural sector," according to the statement here on Monday (June 15).
KPKM said Malaysia and Uzbekistan also agreed to strengthen strategic cooperation in the agriculture and agro-food sectors by focusing on artificial intelligence (AI), smart agriculture, aquaculture and investment to increase food security in both countries.
According to the statement, among the key areas identified were cooperation in AI, digital agriculture, sustainable water management and smart technology as drivers of future agricultural development.
KPKM informed that in the aquaculture and fisheries sectors, both parties identified great potential to expand technical cooperation, investment and technology transfer.
"Malaysia, which has strengths in aquaculture, seafood production and quality control systems, including the shrimp industry, is ready to share expertise and best practices with Uzbekistan," according to the statement.
In addition, KPKM said Malaysia also shared experience in the use of biofloc technology, which has successfully increased aquaculture productivity in limited areas, thus offering a potential solution to support the development of Uzbekistan's fisheries industry.
"The Uzbek side also expressed interest in obtaining expertise, technology and investment from Malaysia to strengthen the country's fisheries sector, increase domestic food supply and contribute to the regional food security agenda," the statement said.
KPKM said that Mohamad also welcomed the development of cooperation between the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) and the Centre of Knowledge and Innovation in Agriculture (Akis), Uzbekistan, which is currently in discussions to finalise a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in the field of agricultural research and development.
"This cooperation is expected to open up space for the exchange of scientists, the implementation of joint research, the development of agricultural technology and innovations that can increase the productivity and competitiveness of the agro-food sectors of both countries," the statement said.
As part of the official visit, KPKM sald Mohamad also officiated the launch of Meraque Group's operations in Uzbekistan, thus marking the success of the Malaysian agricultural technology company in penetrating the Central Asian market.
"The agricultural and agro-food product trade relationship between Malaysia and Uzbekistan continues to show positive development with trade value reaching RM338.48mil for the period January to December 2025," the statement said.
KPKM said Mohamad has also invited Uzbekistan to participate in the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agro-Tourism Exhibition (Maha) 2026, which is scheduled to be held from August 28 to Sept 6.
Mohamad is leading the Malaysian delegation on an official working visit to Tashkent at the invitation of Uzbekistan's Minister of Agriculture Ibrokhim Abdurakhmonov.
The visit also includes Mohamad's participation in the Tashkent International Investment Forum (TIIF) 2026, which will be officiated by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on Tuesday (June 16).- Bernama
