Malaysia, Australia Strengthen Agriculture, Food Security Cooperation

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 6 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and Australia are continuing to strengthen cooperation in agriculture and food security, including efforts to expand market access for Malaysian agricultural products in Australia.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS), in a statement today, said the efforts were among the matters discussed at the 14th Meeting of the Malaysia-Australia Agricultural Cooperation Working Group (MAACWG) and the 7th Meeting of the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Working Group under the Malaysia-Australia Free Trade Agreement (MAFTA SPSWG), held in Canberra, Australia, last Wednesday.

“Both meetings served as platforms to discuss progress in existing agricultural cooperation and trade, as well as explore new areas and opportunities to strengthen the economic ties between the two countries.

“Key matters discussed included efforts to renew the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in Agriculture and expand market access for Malaysian agricultural products in Australia,” the ministry said.

It said cooperation in biosecurity, food safety and technical expertise-sharing was also given attention to enhance the capabilities of government agencies and industry players in Malaysia, as well as facilitate trade in agricultural products with Australia.

The cooperation was expected to benefit Malaysia through expanded export opportunities, enhanced competitiveness of local products and increased investment in the agrofood sector.

The meeting was co-chaired by MAFS deputy secretary-general (Policy) Datuk Sri Norazman Ayob and Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Australia deputy secretary (Agricultural Trade and Regulation Group) Tina Hutchison.

It was also attended by MAFS officials, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Fisheries, the Department of Veterinary Services, the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities, as well as the Malaysian High Commission in Canberra.

The ministry also said Malaysia welcomed an Australian delegation to the country for the 15th MAACWG Meeting, scheduled to be held in 2028.

Bilateral agricultural trade between Malaysia and Australia reached RM7.2 billion in the first seven months of this year, reflecting the significant potential of trade relations between the two countries.

-- BERNAMA