Kuala lumpur: Malaysia has articulated its interest in expanding market access for its local agricultural products to Brazil, focusing on items such as poultry, value-added meat products, liquid eggs, pet food, and animal vaccines. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) expressed optimism that Brazil will consider these applications favorably to strengthen bilateral trade relations in the agricultural sector.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the discussions were highlighted during a recent meeting between Malaysia's Agriculture and Food Security Minister, Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, and Brazil's Agriculture and Livestock Minister, Carlos F¡varo. The meeting was part of a courtesy visit by F¡varo coinciding with the 47th ASEAN Summit held in Malaysia. This engagement is expected to enhance bilateral relations, boost trade and investment, and facilitate the exchange of expertise in agriculture and food security.

The ministry's statement also revealed Malaysia's interest in developing new crop varieties, such as grain corn and coconuts, to boost local production yields and efficiency. The discussions provided an opportunity for both countries to explore potential cooperation in the agrifood sector and expand collaboration in agricultural technology. This includes joint research and development efforts between the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) and the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa).

Last year, the agricultural trade between Malaysia and Brazil was valued at RM8.36 billion. Malaysia's exports accounted for RM880 million, comprising various food products and agricultural-based materials. Brazil remains a key trading partner for Malaysia, with significant imports including sugar, sugar-based products, honey, food products, and agricultural materials like meat products.