KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia is strengthening its export foothold in Central Asia as the Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) makes its debut in the Central Asian International Food Industry Exhibition (FoodExpo Qazaqstan) 2026, coordinating the participation of nearly 50 Malaysian food and beverage (F&B) companies including the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to tap into emerging business opportunities, expand market access and forge strategic partnerships in the region.
Taking place from 11 to 13 November 2026 at the Atakent International Exhibition Centre in Almaty, Kazakhstan, the exhibition serves as a strategic platform for Malaysian exporters to connect with regional importers, retail chains, food manufacturers and distributors.
Malaysia’s participation represents a whole-of-government initiative with the involvement of MATRADE, the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development (KUSKOP), the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), SME Bank and the Malaysian Consortium of Mid-Tier Companies (MCMTC). The initiative is further supported by the Malaysian Mission in the Republic of Kazakhstan, underscoring the importance of coordinated institutional support in advancing Malaysia’s commercial interests in the region.
Through this participation, Malaysian companies will showcase the diversity, quality and competitiveness of the country’s F&B offerings, while directly engaging with prospective buyers, exploring new market opportunities and establishing business linkages to expand Malaysia’s export reach across Central Asia and the Eurasian region.
Capitalizing on a 58.9% Trade Surge: MATRADE Unlocks New Eurasian Export Opportunities
Commenting on MATRADE’s maiden participation at FoodExpo Qazaqstan 2026, MATRADE Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Indera Abu Bakar, said: “Our participation at FoodExpo Qazaqstan 2026 marks an important milestone in advancing Malaysia’s market diversification strategy and strengthening our trade presence in emerging markets across Central Asia, a market of 80 million people. As Malaysia continues to broaden its export destinations beyond traditional markets, Kazakhstan offers a strategic entry point into a region with growing economic potential, expanding consumer demand and increasing opportunities for international trade. The positive momentum in bilateral trade further reinforces this potential, with Malaysia-Kazakhstan trade growing by 58.9% in 2025 to RM1.02 billion (USD241.7 million), while Malaysia’s exports to Kazakhstan increased by 37.7% to RM726.7 million (USD171.1 million). These encouraging developments underscore the importance of deepening our engagement with this market and creating new avenues for Malaysian exporters.”
Dato’ Indera continued to say that Kazakhstan’s USD 306 billion economy presents a lucrative market for Malaysian enterprises, bolstered by retail sales reaching USD 25.7 billion in early 2026—with food products commanding nearly a third (32.3%) of overall consumer spending. Combined with a 14.7% rise in domestic food production, opportunities extend beyond finished consumer goods into raw ingredients and broader supply chain services. To capitalize on this, MATRADE is positioning Malaysia as a premier regional supplier of Halal-certified food and beverages, palm-based goods, specialty ingredients, and food franchises across Central Asia and the wider Eurasian market by facilitating direct buyer-supplier partnerships.
The Malaysian delegation will also participate in the Malaysian-Kazakhstan Business Forum, organised by MATRADE in collaboration with the Embassy of Malaysia in Kazakhstan and the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan (Atameken). The forum will provide Malaysian companies with valuable insights into Kazakhstan’s business environment, market-entry requirements, the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) regulatory frameworks and regional logistics connectivity, while offering opportunities to engage with local business leaders and potential partners.
The business programme will be complemented by targeted market visits to leading retail chains, food manufacturers and industry operators in Kazakhstan. These engagements will give Malaysian companies first-hand exposure to local market dynamics, consumer preferences, sourcing requirements and distribution channels, while identifying opportunities for commercial partnerships, product placement and expanded supply arrangements.
