KUALA LUMPUR, June 4 — Chile is looking to deepen cooperation with Malaysia in food security, innovation and sustainable development, following the Chile-Asean Business Summit 2026 held recently in Bangkok, Thailand.
Organised by ProChile, the Chilean government agency responsible for promoting exports and supporting the internationalisation of Chilean companies, the summit brought together Chilean exporters and key stakeholders from across Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, to explore new business and investment opportunities.
Malaysia remains an important market for Chilean products. In 2025, Chile’s non-copper and non-lithium exports to Malaysia reached approximately US$80 million (RM340 million), with salmon and trout accounting for the largest export category at US$23 million.
According to ProChile trade representative in Malaysia Ana Belén Bueno, opportunities for deeper collaboration are strongest in sectors where Chile’s export strengths align with changing Malaysian consumer preferences.
“Malaysia’s growing middle class is increasingly seeking products that meet high standards of quality, sustainability and certification. Chile has developed a strong reputation in areas such as seafood, fresh fruit, wine and timber, while also offering products that meet specific market requirements, including halal-certified, organic and natural products,” she said in a statement.
As demand for premium food products continues to grow, ProChile sees significant potential to expand Chile’s role as a supplier to Malaysian consumers, retailers and hospitality operators.
Beyond food and agriculture, Chile is also seeking to strengthen cooperation with Malaysia in innovation-driven and sustainable industries.
Bueno said Chile is increasingly promoting its expertise in renewable energy, green hydrogen, mining technology, water efficiency and specialised services.
“Traditionally, Chile has been recognised for its food products and mining resources. Today, we want Malaysian partners to see Chile as a modern, innovative and diversified country with expertise that extends far beyond our traditional exports,” she said.
Chile, one of the world’s leading producers of copper and lithium, believes its experience in mining technology, environmental solutions and resource efficiency could support Malaysian companies looking to modernise operations and improve sustainability performance.
The Chile-Asean Business Summit 2026 featured 28 Chilean companies representing sectors including seafood, fresh fruit, meat products, nuts and dried fruits, forestry products, agribusiness, aquaculture services and food innovation.
Three major Chilean industry associations — Fruits from Chile, Faenacar and ChileNuts — also participated in the event, which included business matching sessions, networking activities, market visits and commercial meetings.
More than 300 business-to-business meetings were organised between Chilean exporters and importers from across the region during the summit.
Bueno said Malaysia continues to stand out as one of Southeast Asia’s most open and internationally connected business environments.
“Malaysian companies are willing to explore new products, services and suppliers, but trust is built over time. Chile is viewed as a trusted partner and can also serve as a gateway to Latin America.
“Through the Chile-Malaysia Free Trade Agreement and the CPTPP, Malaysian businesses benefit from competitive market access and reliable supply chains,” she said.
Looking ahead, ProChile hopes to strengthen long-term cooperation with Malaysia through initiatives aimed at enhancing food security and supply chain resilience.
“Global supply chains are becoming increasingly volatile due to climate and geopolitical challenges. We would like to establish a strategic food security corridor between Chile and Malaysia that ensures a steady and reliable supply of premium food products over time.
“Our goal is to embed Chilean producers more deeply within Malaysia’s retail and hospitality supply networks, helping guarantee a 365-day-a-year supply of clean, reliable and premium nutrition for Malaysian consumers,” Bueno said.
ProChile said Malaysia’s position as a regional trade, logistics and food distribution hub presents significant opportunities to expand collaboration in both traditional and emerging sectors, while supporting long-term food security, innovation and sustainable growth in both countries.
Date: 4 June, 2026 5:00 pm
Source: Malay Mail
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