Kuala lumpur: Malaysia and the United States (US) have the potential to expand strategic cooperation in agricultural technology and agro-food development following a meeting between Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu and US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke J. Lindberg, along with his delegation, yesterday.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) stated that discussions between the two parties focused on the potential expansion of bilateral agricultural trade, as well as strengthening technical cooperation and investment to enhance productivity in the agriculture sector. Key areas highlighted included the use of mechanisation and automation, digital technology, smart agriculture development, seed variety improvement, and the application of Internet of Things (IoT) technology.
Additionally, the MAFS expressed its intention to collaborate with the USDA to modernise grain corn production for livestock feed and to bolster the production capacity of the country's agro-food sector through the adoption of modern technology. The meeting also covered plans for a working visit by MAFS officers to the US, involving representatives from the Department of Veterinary Services and the Department of Agriculture, scheduled for January 17 to 24.
According to MAFS, the visit aims to enhance cooperation between the two countries in sanitary and phytosanitary aspects. The ministry added that agricultural trade between Malaysia and the United States was valued at RM14.68 billion from January to September 2025, underscoring the US's role as an important strategic partner for Malaysia in the global food supply chain.
The courtesy call by the US delegation, led by Lindberg, coincided with the US trade mission to Malaysia from January 14 to 15, which also included US Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D. Kagan. Present at the meeting were MAFS secretary-general Datuk Seri Isham Ishak, deputy secretary-general (Policy) Datuk Seri Norazman Ayob, and director-general of Agriculture Datuk Nor Sam Alwi.