TASHKENT: Malaysia is looking to deepen food trade and agricultural cooperation with Uzbekistan and the wider Central Asian region as part of efforts to diversify supply sources and strengthen long-term food security amid global geopolitical and supply chain uncertainties.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said food security was among the key areas discussed during his six-day official visit to Uzbekistan from June 11 to 17, at the invitation of Uzbekistan's Minister of Agriculture, Ibrokhim Abdurakhmonov.
He said business-to-business (B2B) cooperation between companies from both countries was already underway, particularly involving food imports such as cherries and dried food from Uzbekistan.
"Malaysian farmers could play a role in increasing efforts to cultivate and export food products needed in Uzbekistan," he told Bernama on the final day of his official visit to Uzbekistan Wednesday (June 17).
Apart from food trade, both countries are also exploring cooperation in agricultural research, aquaculture and food technology.
During the visit, he had also attended the opening of the Tashkent International Investment Forum (TIIF) 2026, where Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev delivered the opening address.
Meanwhile, on domestic rice production, Mohamad said Malaysia continues to face challenges in strengthening its rice self-sufficiency level, which currently stands at around 55%.
He added that the government is working to increase domestic rice production, including by developing new cultivation areas in Sabah, Sarawak, Pahang and several other states.
When asked to comment on the latest developments in the Middle East and the potential reopening of shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz, Mohamad said the government welcomes efforts to ease tensions.
He stressed that any new developments should be monitored closely, including economic sanctions imposed on Iran, before fully assessing the impact on global trade and supply chains.
On concerns over the El Niño phenomenon, Mohamad said the government is making early preparations, including providing information to farmers and strengthening cooperation with other countries to ensure food supply remains sufficient should there be disruptions to agricultural production.
"This is a serious matter. We need to be prepared by providing information to the public, and any planting activities must follow the schedule issued by the authorities," he said.
He added that Malaysia's food supply remains sufficient for now, and the government will continue to take necessary steps to safeguard national food security.
The fifth edition of TIIF was held from June 16 to 18 under the theme "Investment Resilience: New Frontiers, New Partnerships".
The forum featured a large-scale industry exhibition, involving more than 100 domestic producers, along with various B2B and business-to-government meetings. - Bernama
