Malaysia Explores Agricultural Ties With Brazil To Boost Food Security

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 6 (Bernama) -- Malaysia aims to explore agricultural cooperation with Brazil to bolster national food security, specifically focusing on grain corn and poultry imports while expanding bilateral trade.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) said this was discussed when its secretary-general Datuk Seri Isham Ishak received a courtesy call from Brazil's Ambassador to Malaysia Daniella Ortega de Paiva Menezes yesterday.

The ministry said today, "Malaysia expressed its desire to explore cooperation with Brazil to enhance national food security, as it is a major importer of grain corn and poultry products."

"Malaysia also highlighted the importance of increasing the export of local agricultural products like starfruit and pineapples to Brazil to balance agricultural trade between both countries," the ministry said in a statement.

The meeting aimed to discuss bilateral cooperation in the agricultural and agro-food sectors, focusing on research and development, alongside trade and market access for agricultural products.

"The discussions also touched on agricultural research and development cooperation between the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA) and the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI).

"This collaboration potentially opens avenues for sharing expertise, technology and research findings in agriculture to support the development of the agro-food sector in both countries," the statement said.

During the meeting, Menezes expressed appreciation for Brazil's opportunity to participate in the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Show (MAHA) 2026 to promote its agricultural products, technology and expertise.

The ambassador also gave early indications of Brazil's intention to join MAHA 2028, following positive feedback received from its participation in this year's edition of the event.

-- BERNAMA