As part of efforts to strengthen economic ties between Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Malaysian companies present at the Malaysia Pavilion in EXPO 2020 Dubai inked five multi-million dirhams worth of MoUs with UAE-based enterprises in a bid to spur sustainable agriculture between the two nations.
Dubbed as the highlight of the Malaysia Pavilion’s Sustainable Agriculture Week at the ongoing EXPO 2020 Dubai, the partnerships formalised with the exchange of MoUs at the programme’s launch today will help Malaysia to promote and expand its potential in sustainable agriculture by establishing strong engagement and strategic partnerships with the UAE and other global players.
The Malaysian companies also exchanged three other MoUs with companies from Egypt, Germany, and Maldives bringing the total number of MoUs to eight, all worth over AED173 million (MYR 197 million) in potential trade and business opportunities.
According to the Minister of Agriculture and Food Industries Malaysia (MAFI), Datuk Seri Dr. Ronald Kiandee, the MoUs include extensive cooperation in research and development, trade and distribution, market access, commercial activities, investments, technology transfer, as well as sales and marketing of products and services.
This, according to the Minister, will significantly boost the Malaysian government’s sustainable agriculture efforts as well as contribute towards combating climate change.
Key areas of focus outlined in the MoUs include Biodiversity to wellness, fruits of the tropical land and its byproducts, smart urban farming, smart farming solutions and waste-to-wealth. Special focus will also be given to culinary sustainability, cutting-edge agricultural technologies and solutions, and investment opportunities for agricultural sustainability.
The week-long event, which kicks off from Monday, February 21st to Friday, February 26th, 2022, is expected to attract over 2,000 visitors and delegates. With over 20 Malaysian companies and organizations taking part, the event also aims to attract global collaborations and knowledge-sharing platforms for creating new opportunities and fresh solutions to address issues like COVID-19, poverty and climate change through sustainable agriculture.
Dato’ Mohd Tarid bin Sufian, Malaysia Ambassador to The United Arab Emirates said while delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Minister: “Malaysia has been at the forefront of seeking sustainable solutions that address the prevalent bottlenecks in food production, safety, and security. Malaysia’s Sustainable Agriculture Week at EXPO 2020 Dubai is an important initiative that will spur and enhance investment and collaboration opportunities in sustainable agriculture and also fuel the fight against climate change. We believe that UAE’s commitment to innovative thinking and sustainable development in key areas of focus will complement Malaysia’s direction towards technology adoption and modernisation in sustainable agriculture.”
