Iran, Malaysia seek new food security roadmap to expand agricultural cooperation
Iran and Malaysia are seeking to draw up a new bilateral food security roadmap and expand cooperation in agriculture, trade, research and investment, Iran's agriculture minister said during talks with his Malaysian counterpart in Tehran.
According to IRNA on Sunday, Agriculture Minister Gholamreza Nouri-Qezeljeh called for closer cooperation in agriculture and related industries, trade, research and food security.
"We need to develop a new food security roadmap for the two countries," Nouri-Qezeljeh said.
The ministers discussed expanding trade in agricultural products, increasing joint investment, strengthening cooperation in the food industry, promoting technology transfer, expanding agricultural research and facilitating private-sector exchanges.
Nouri-Qezeljeh also called for closer cooperation between research institutes, universities and scientific centers in areas including seed improvement, smart agriculture, mechanization, water resource management and greenhouse technologies. He emphasized the importance of exchanging experts, conducting joint research projects and holding joint training programs.
Referring to Iran's capabilities in agricultural production, technical expertise and research, he said the country was ready to expand cooperation with Malaysia in all areas of mutual interest.
Malaysia's Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, welcomed closer ties and called for bilateral agreements to be pursued through a joint working group while planning practical projects.
He also invited the Iranian agriculture minister to pay an official visit to Malaysia.
"Such a visit could mark a turning point in the development of bilateral relations and provide a suitable opportunity to sign cooperation documents, hold a meeting of the joint agriculture committee and meet business leaders and private-sector representatives from both countries," Mohamad Sabu said.
The two sides also reviewed opportunities to expand bilateral trade, strengthen scientific cooperation, exchange knowledge and modern agricultural technologies, enhance food security cooperation and make greater use of their shared capabilities.
According to Mehr news agency, Iran and Malaysia have complementary economies.
Ali Chagharvand, head of the Iran-Malaysia Joint Trade Committee, said on Saturday that Malaysia could serve as a regional hub and a re-export base for Iranian products in sectors including petrochemicals, energy, mining, agriculture, and technical and engineering services.
"In return, Malaysia, with its advanced logistics infrastructure, international financial network and successful experience in attracting foreign investment, provides broad access to Southeast Asian markets," Chagharvand said.
He said the committee's primary objective was to promote bilateral trade through trade facilitation, economic diplomacy and cooperation with the governments of both countries to expand economic ties and attract investment.
He added that attracting investment and developing joint projects would be among the committee's main priorities and that its work would extend beyond trade alone.