MALAYSIA TARGETS RM80 MILLION IN SALES AT FOODEX JAPAN 2026 - KUSKOP

PUTRAJAYA, March 10 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is targeting RM80 million in sales through the participation of 31 local companies and three cooperatives at the 51st International Food and Beverage Exhibition (FOODEX Japan 2026).

The four-day event began today at the Tokyo International Exhibition Centre (Tokyo Big Sight), Japan.

The Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development (KUSKOP) said its delegation is led by secretary-general Datuk Seri Khairul Dzaimee Daud, accompanied by agencies under the ministry, including SME Corp Malaysia, Perbadanan Nasional Berhad (PERNAS), and the Malaysia Co-operative Societies Commission (SKM).

The trade mission is also supported by other strategic agencies, namely the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) and Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA).

Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister Steven Sim said Japan is among the world’s premium markets that demand high-quality standards.

"Success in penetrating this market will enhance the credibility and competitiveness of Malaysian products on a global level," he said in a statement today.

Sim said the participation is also in line with KUSKOP's ABCD strategy, namely Productivity Shift (Anjakan Produktiviti), Simplified Bureaucracy (Birokrasi Dipermudah), Capital Access (Capaian Modal) and Market Access Power (Daya Akses Pasaran), which serves as the ministry's main framework for empowering local entrepreneurs.

FOODEX Japan 2026 is the largest food and beverage trade exhibition in Asia, gathering over 3,000 exhibitors from 80 countries.

KUSKOP added that the Malaysian delegation is also scheduled to meet with the secretary-general of the ASEAN-Japan Centre (AJC), Dr Hirabayashi Kunihiko, to explore future strategic bilateral cooperation between Malaysia and Japan.

In addition, several engagement sessions with global industry players will be conducted to expand the business networks of Malaysian entrepreneurs, the statement said.

KUSKOP added that the mission is part of the country's strategic efforts to support the Malaysia MADANI agenda, particularly in expanding economic networks and bilateral trade, and increasing the international competitiveness of local small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

-- BERNAMA