KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's participation in the Fine Food Australia exhibition from Sept 2-5 in Melbourne has recorded a trade value of RM17.5 million with the potential to reach RM64.0 million over the next five years.

In a statement today, the Agriculture and Food Security Malaysia Ministry (KPKM) said Malaysia's participation was warmly received by local industry players, including importers and hospitality services, with the potential to enter into a major supermarket chain like Costco.

"This international trade exhibition featured five companies from Malaysia and a Melbourne-based Malaysian importer," it said.

The ministry said freeze-dried fruits, energy drinks, sambal, cooking pastes, and durian-based products attracted significant attention from visitors.

The Agricultural Counsellor Office (ACO) in Sydney participated in the exhibition in collaboration with the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA).

Malaysia's consul general in Melbourne Nik Muhammad Nasyron Syah Nik Daud said the country's participation opens up new opportunities for Malaysian exporters and strengthens bilateral relations between the two countries.

He said more Malaysian food products will enter the Australian market, contributing to economic growth.

According to ACO Sydney vice-consul Kalaivani Gohbal, Australia is one of Malaysia's key strategic trading partners in the agro-food sector.

"With Australia's diverse, multicultural society, Malaysian food products have a great opportunity to be well-received here. This diversity creates a space for Malaysian products to appeal to various communities across Australia," she said.

-- BERNAMA