The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) marks its 20th consecutive year of participation at FOODEX Japan, Asia’s leading international food and beverage exhibition, held from 11 March 2025 to 14 March 2025 at Tokyo Big Sight, Tokyo, Japan. This year, MATRADE leads a delegation of 11 esteemed Malaysian food and beverage companies and one agency, highlighting Malaysia’s commitment to Halal excellence and laying the groundwork for its presence at Expo 2025 Osaka.
The Malaysian Pavilion will serve as a hub for showcasing the nation’s diverse and high-quality Halal food and beverage offerings, reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a global leader in the Halal industry. The participating companies will present a wide array of products, including delectable confectionery, snacks, cookies, premium tropical beverages, seafood, bird nest and coffee, all adhering to the strictest Halal standards.
In 2024, Malaysia’s exports of food and beverage products to Japan continued to show steady growth. The total export value reached USD 1.16 billion, reflecting a strong demand for Malaysian food and beverage products, including Halal-certified in Japan. Products such as cocoa products and snacks have seen an uptick in demand, showcasing Malaysia’s reputation for producing high-quality and Halal-compliant food offerings that meet the Japanese market’s stringent requirements. These exports underscore the growing and fruitful trade relationship between Malaysia and Japan, a partnership MATRADE aims to strengthen further through initiatives like FOODEX JAPAN and Expo 2025 Osaka.
“Our two decades of engagement at FOODEX Japan demonstrate our unwavering commitment to strengthening trade ties between Malaysia and Japan,” said YB Dato’ Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, Chairman of MATRADE. “This milestone underscores our dedication to promoting Malaysia’s exceptional Halal products and leveraging strategic partnerships to further enhance our export capabilities. We are also excited to use this platform as a precursor to our participation in Expo 2025 Osaka, where we will showcase Malaysia’s innovation and sustainability in the food sector.”
Chief Executive Officer of MATRADE, YBhg. Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz, added, “We are actively encouraging Malaysian companies to capitalize on the benefits of Free Trade Agreements, such as the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (AJCEP). These agreements provide significant advantages, including reduced tariffs and streamlined trade procedures, enabling our exporters to effectively penetrate the Japanese market. We aim to empower Malaysian businesses to expand their reach and enhance their competitiveness globally.”
“We are proud to be part of FOODEX Japan this year, reinforcing our longstanding trade partnership with Japan. This milestone allows us to continue showcasing Malaysia’s innovative Halal products, which embody the nation’s commitment to quality and sustainability. We see this as an important step in preparing for our participation in Expo 2025 Osaka, where Malaysia will further highlight its strengths in the food and beverage sector,” said Mr. Zuaziezie Zulkefli, Trade Commissioner of MATRADE Tokyo.
MATRADE invites all attendees of FOODEX Japan to visit the Malaysian Pavilion at hall 5, Tokyo Big Sight to experience the best of Malaysia’s Halal offerings.
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