KUALA LUMPUR, 17 April 2026 — The Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) successfully concluded a Trade Networking Visit for 35 buyers from the Central Asian Republics, reinforcing Malaysia’s efforts to expand its presence in emerging markets with strong growth potential for oils and fats applications.

The delegation comprised food manufacturers across key segments, including confectionery, ice cream, bakery, and margarine, reflecting rising demand for palm-based solutions in the region.

A key highlight of the programme was the BizMatch session, which facilitated 352 structured meetings between 18 Malaysian suppliers and the visiting buyers. The session generated an estimated Rm 47.5 million in potential sales, underscoring strong commercial interest and the growing relevance of Central Asia as a target market.

Commenting on the outcome, Ms. Belvinder Sron, Chief Executive Officer of MPOC, said: “Central Asia represents a promising growth market for Malaysian palm oil, particularly in value-added segments such as specialty fats and food manufacturing applications. The strong engagement observed during this visit reflects increasing confidence among buyers and the readiness of Malaysian suppliers to support this market.”

The programme provided participants with first-hand exposure to Malaysia’s integrated palm oil ecosystem. The delegation visited a plantation to observe harvesting operations, followed by a tour of advanced bulking facilities in Johor Bahru. The programme also included engagements with industry players, offering insights into downstream capabilities, including specialty fats development and product innovation at modern refining facilities.

H.E. Mr. Karomidin Gadoev, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Malaysia, visited the session and engaged with both buyers and suppliers, expressing strong support for expanding trade collaboration. He noted that Uzbekistan and the wider Central Asian region present significant opportunities for Malaysian palm oil and encouraged Malaysian suppliers to establish a stronger presence in the region, including positioning stocks within Uzbekistan to enhance distribution efficiency. He added that the Government of Uzbekistan stands ready to support such initiatives through trade facilitation measures and infrastructure support.

MPOC also noted strong participation from Malaysian industry players, with suppliers demonstrating keen interest in expanding their presence in Central Asia through direct engagement and tailored offerings.

Ms. Belvinder added that “MPOC will continue to deepen its engagement in Central Asia by expanding palm oil applications across key industry segments and exploring viable trade models that can enhance the competitiveness of Malaysian suppliers in the region. Building on the momentum from this visit, we are planning a follow-up programme to further advance engagements and support the conversion of opportunities into sustained trade partnerships.”

The positive response from both buyers and suppliers highlights strong potential for long-term collaboration, positioning Central Asia as an increasingly important market in Malaysia’s export diversification strategy.