KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 7 — China accounted for nearly one-third of the RM10.3 billion in strategic collaborations and potential investments secured at the Malaysian Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Exhibition (MAHA) 2026.

Agriculture and Food Security Ministry’s Business Development and Investment Division Undersecretary Khalid Ibrahim said 17 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) worth RM3.2 billion were signed between Malaysian and Chinese parties.

The MoUs covered premium tropical fruits such as durian, jackfruit, pineapple, mangosteen and young fresh coconut.

“They also covered premium-grade seafood and fisheries products, advanced smart agriculture technologies, high-quality fertilisers and pesticides, as well as premium edible bird’s nest in raw, unclean and clean processed forms and speciality coffee products.

“All these products represent Malaysia’s premier agro-food exports to the Chinese market, supported by integrated cold-chain logistics to ensure optimal freshness and quality upon arrival,” he told Bernama Monday.

Meanwhile, First Secretary at the Agriculture Counsellor Office at the Malaysian Embassy in Beijing, China, Siti Zurianah Ismail said a total of 80 delegates from China attended MAHA 2026, marking the country’s second and largest participation since 2024.

“They comprised businessmen, wholesale associations, potential partners and investors,” she told Bernama on Monday before returning to Beijing.

Siti Zurianah said China also hosted two pavilions at MAHA 2026, showcasing more than 100 products.

Among the Chinese products that attracted visitors were honey, Halal beef jerky, yak bone marrow, drone technology and health supplements.

She said the strong Chinese participation reflected the growing interest in Malaysia’s agro-food sector, particularly in trade, investment, technology and market opportunities.

MAHA 2026, themed “Creating Value for Food Security”, was held at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) from Aug 28 to Sept 6 and recorded about 4.3 million visitors, including 1.7 million youths, as of Sept 5.

At the closing ceremony, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said MAHA 2026 had secured strategic collaborations and potential investments worth about RM10.3 billion, surpassing the RM8 billion target. — Bernama