Cooperation with China expands market, strengthens food security, says Malaysian official

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Cooperation with China has expanded the market for Malaysian agricultural products while also strengthening food security, especially through trade and logistics corridors between Malaysia, ASEAN and China, Malaysia's Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Chan Foong Hin said on Thursday.

This not only ensures that domestic farmers and food producers have access to markets but also ensures that they are able to sustain their activities, Chan said in his speech at a conference here.

"In this era of shifting global dynamics and transformation, a stronger partnership between Kuala Lumpur and Beijing acts as a vital anchor for regional stability. By moving forward together, we ensure that the benefits of China's immense development continue to ripple constructively through Malaysia, ASEAN, and the wider world," he said.

Citing the successful development of durian as a commodity crop for the Chinese market, Chan said that following the milestone agreement to grant market access for fresh Malaysian durians to China, the demand from Chinese consumers has grown exponentially.

"By marrying China's immense technological capabilities with Malaysia's agricultural potential, we are not just trading food, but we are also co-authoring a blueprint for a more resilient, self-reliant, and food-secure Asia-Pacific region," he said.