KUALA LUMPUR: Iran has been importing more agrofood products from Malaysia in 2022 with an increase of 88.7% compared to previous years, says the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry.
Its minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said among the main products that were exported to the Islamic republic include meat products, poultry, and bird’s nest products.
He said the total export value increased from RM66.5mil in 2021 to RM125.5mil last year.
“Meanwhile, the import value from Iran to Malaysia decreased by 44.1% to RM133.8mil from RM239.4mil in 2021,” he said in a written reply to Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang (PN-Marang) on Wednesday (Nov 1).
Abdul Hadi had asked the ministry to explain the bilateral cooperation between the two countries within the food security sector and halal industry.
Mohamad also said that both countries are also working into further strengthening ties through Joint Commission Meeting and Joint Economic Commission.
“For this matter, the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry is currently coordinating the cooperation on several aspects which include food security and halal industry through the JEC meetings that will be held soon,” said Mohamad.
“To increase collaboration in agriculture, especially in research and development, a memorandum of understanding has been inked between Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) and Iran’s Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO),” he added.
– TheStar