@ AGROBiz | May-June. 2026

• Malaysia and Vietnam are strengthening agricultural cooperation through a proposed MoU focused on food security and agri-food development.

• Discussions included expanding Vietnam market access for Malaysian poultry products, liquid eggs, bird’ s nest and pet food.

• Vietnam remains Malaysia’ s largest rice supplier, with both countries aiming to ensure a stable and competitive supply.

MALAYSIA-VIETNAM COOPERATION: Delegates from Malaysia and Vietnam discussing strategic cooperation in agri-food trade, fisheries and food supply resilience.

The move came following an official working visit to Hanoi by Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu on Apr 23, where Malaysia and Vietnam moved towards formalising closer cooperation in agriculture and agri-food development through a Memorandum of Understanding( MoU).

The collaboration is expected to cover areas ranging from technology sharing and expertise transfer to sustainable fisheries, livestock health and market access for agricultural products.

SUPPLY CHAINS

Vietnam, currently Malaysia’ s largest rice exporter, was regarded as a key strategic partner in ensuring more stable food supplies and competitive rice prices for the local market.

At the same time, Malaysia is also seeking to expand the presence of its agri-food products in Vietnam, particularly value-added and higher-end offerings.

During discussions with Vietnam’ s new Minister of Agriculture and Environment, Trịnh Việt Hùng, emphasis was placed on improving market access for Malaysian products, including processed poultry products, pasteurised liquid eggs, duck-based products, edible bird’ s nest, and pet food.

The visit marked Mohamad’ s first official meeting with his Vietnamese counterpart.

EVERGROWING AGRI-FOOD NETWORKS: The focus on food security and supply resilience continues to shape Malaysia’ s regional agricultural partnerships.

Beyond trade, the discussions also focused on long-term cooperation in agricultural modernisation and digitalisation within the food supply chain, which Malaysia believes could help both countries better withstand future supply disruptions.

Mohamad also visited several agricultural research institutions in Vietnam, including the Vietnam Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine.

The minister said the institute played an important role in supporting the livestock and animal health sectors, which remain central to food supply stability.

“ When the livestock sector is well managed, not only is the food supply more stable and safer, it also helps boost rural economies and the well-being of the people,” he said in a Facebook post.

He added that closer cooperation between Malaysia and Vietnam in areas such as vaccine development, biosecurity practices, early disease detection and technical expertise sharing would become increasingly critical as the agriculture sector faces rising risks from climate-related challenges and cross-border animal diseases.

STRONGER FOOD SECURITY

Aquaculture and sustainable fisheries development also emerged as another major area of collaboration during the trip.

Following a visit to the Vietnam Academy of Fishery Sciences( VAFIS), Mohamad said both countries stood to benefit from stronger institutional cooperation in fisheries research and aquaculture innovation.

“ This is a very good initiative, and Malaysia is also giving serious attention to efforts to strengthen this sector.

“ We can learn a lot from each other. I see a great opportunity for Malaysia and Vietnam to enhance cooperation, especially in aquaculture development, sustainable fisheries, and the sharing of knowledge and expertise,” he said.

Agricultural trade between Malaysia and Vietnam reached RM12.64 billion from Jan to Dec 2025, involving a wide range of food and agricultural products.

Mohamad has also invited the Vietnamese delegation to participate in the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Exhibition( MAHA) 2026, scheduled to be held from Aug 28 to Sept 6, under the theme“ Value Creation for Food Security”.- @ AGROBiz

WORKING THE GROUNDS: A visit to the Vietnam Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine.