Malaysia and Argentina engaged in discussions about collaborating in the livestock, agriculture, and halal certification sectors. Both countries have recognized the potential for mutual learning and collaboration in agricultural modernization and machinery adaptation.
Malaysia’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Mohamad Sabu, expressed openness to technical collaboration, emphasizing the opportunity for Malaysian exports, such as enhanced animal products and animal feed based on insect protein, to Argentina. Conversely, Diana Mondin, the Foreign Minister of Argentina, highlighted her country’s proficiency in producing key crops like corn, soy, wheat, and sunflower seeds, emphasizing their cost-effectiveness and efficiency and suggested sharing experiences in machinery adaptation suitable for Malaysian crops.
Potential collaborations involve agencies like the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (JAKIM), a government body that administers Islamic affairs and the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI), with JAKIM offering training to Argentina’s halal certification body and MARDI intending to renew its partnership with Argentina’s National Institute of Agricultural and Livestock Technology (INTA). In 2023, the Republic of Argentina was Malaysia’s third-largest trading partner in the Latin American region. Total trade between Malaysia and the Republic of Argentina in 2023 was valued at MYR 8.23 billion (USD 1.81 billion).
(Sources: Malay Mail; The Edge Market)
