Chile Looks To Strengthen Food Security And Innovation Partnership With Malaysia Following Chile-ASEAN Business Summit 2026
In 2025, Chile’s non-copper and non-lithium exports to Malaysia reached approximately USD 80 million, with salmon and trout accounting for the largest export category at USD 23 million.
- Chile seeks to establish a strategic food security corridor with Malaysia, ensuring a steady supply of premium food products year-round.
- Chilean exports to Malaysia reached USD 80 million in 2025, with salmon and trout comprising the largest category at USD 23 million.
- Chile aims to expand beyond traditional exports, promoting expertise in renewable energy, green hydrogen, mining technology and water efficiency.
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Chile is seeking to deepen its partnership with Malaysia through expanded cooperation in food security, innovation and sustainable development following its participation in the Chile-ASEAN Business Summit 2026, recently concluded in Bangkok, Thailand, alongside THAIFEX-Anuga Asia, one of Asia’s leading food and beverage trade exhibitions.
Organised by ProChile, the Chilean government agency under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs responsible for promoting Chilean exports and supporting the internationalisation of Chilean companies, the summit served as a platform to strengthen commercial relationships between Chilean exporters and key Southeast Asian markets, including Malaysia.
The event brought together Chilean exporters, ASEAN importers, distributors, retailers and industry leaders through business matchmaking activities, networking events, technical visits and commercial meetings aimed at identifying new opportunities for collaboration across the region.
Malaysia continues to be an important market for Chilean exporters. In 2025, Chile’s non-copper and non-lithium exports to Malaysia reached approximately USD 80 million, with salmon and trout accounting for the largest export category at USD 23 million.
According to Ana Belén Bueno, Trade Representative of ProChile in Malaysia, the strongest opportunities between both countries continue to be found in sectors where Chile’s strengths align closely with evolving Malaysian consumer demand:
“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.”
As demand for premium food products continues to grow, ProChile sees significant opportunities to expand Chile’s role as a trusted supplier to Malaysian consumers, retailers and hospitality operators.
Beyond food and agriculture, Chile is also looking to broaden its profile in Malaysia by showcasing its expertise in innovation and sustainable industries.
According to Ana Belén Bueno, Chile is increasingly promoting its capabilities in areas such as 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.”
Malaysia’s growing industrial base also presents opportunities for collaboration in technology and sustainability. As one of the world’s leading producers of copper and lithium, Chile has developed extensive expertise in mining technology, environmental solutions and resource efficiency that could support Malaysian companies seeking to modernise their operations and strengthen sustainability performance.
The Chile-ASEAN Business Summit 2026 brought together 28 leading Chilean companies representing sectors including seafood, fresh fruit, meat products, nuts and dried fruits, forestry products, agribusiness, aquaculture services and food innovation. The delegation also included three major Chilean industry associations — Fruits from Chile, Faenacar and ChileNuts — representing export sectors with growing interest across Asian markets.
A central component of the programme was Chile’s participation in THAIFEX-Anuga Asia, providing Chilean exporters with opportunities to engage directly with regional buyers, retailers, distributors, hospitality operators and food-service companies seeking reliable international suppliers.
Throughout the week, the Summit featured business matchmaking sessions, networking activities, market visits and meetings with leading ASEAN business groups. More than 300 B2B meetings were organised between Chilean exporters and regional importers during the event.
Reflecting on her experience in the market, Ana Belén Bueno noted that Malaysia remains 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.”
Looking ahead, ProChile hopes to strengthen cooperation through long-term partnerships that enhance 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.”
As Malaysia continues to develop as a regional hub for trade, logistics and food distribution, ProChile sees significant opportunities to deepen collaboration across both traditional and emerging sectors. Through initiatives such as the Chile-ASEAN Business Summit, Chile aims to build stronger commercial relationships while supporting long-term food security, innovation and sustainable growth in both countries.
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