The APEC FSMM: The ROK, Vietnam, and Malaysia Discuss Expanding Trade and Cooperation in Agriculture and Agri-food Products

Sejong, 13 August 2025 — On 10 August in Incheon, H.E. Song Miryung, Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) of the Republic of Korea (ROK) met with H.E. Mohamad bin Sabu, Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security of Malaysia and H.E. Tran Duc Thang, Acting Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (SRV), who visited the Republic of Korea to participate in the 10th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Food Security Ministerial Meeting (FSMM). 

The three sides discussed the current affairs of agricultural policies and major matters of interest of their own nations. Minister Song Miryung of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs of the Republic of Korea asked Malaysia and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to cooperate more closely with the Republic of Korea to ensure that entry of Korean agricultural and livestock products into their markets can be expanded further.

Minister Mohamad bin Sabu of Agriculture and Food Security of Malaysia emphasized the importance of cooperation in the field of agriculture with the Republic of Korea, and made significant suggestions. Such suggestions include strengthening bilateral coordination in agriculture and food security, expanding cooperation between quarantine authorities of the two nations, etc.

In reply, Minister Song Miryung of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs of the Republic of Korea said that trade between the two nations is gaining more momentum in the field of agri-food, and ask for Malaysia’s cooperation to ensure that halal-certified Korean fresh beef can be exported to Malaysia.

Acting Minister Tran Duc Thang of Agriculture and Environment of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam expressed his appreciation for the Republic of Korea’s continued support and cooperation in official development assistance (ODA), and expressed his hope for an expansion of the Republic of Korea’s investment in Vietnamese agriculture and rural development.

Acting Minister Tran Duc Thang also suggested holding an event to increase exchanges between agri-food products exporters of both sides. Minister Song Miryung replied that Vietnam is the Republic of Korea’s important partner in the trade of agri-food products as well as in official development assistance (ODA). 

With that reply, Minister Song asked for Vietnam’s cooperation, with regard to the export of Korean chicken meat products and fruits (e.g. kiwis, Korean tangerines, etc.). Minister Song also requested Vietnam’s cooperation to ensure that the ROK’s ODA project can be carried out in Vietnam as planned.

Minister Song Miryung said: “The Socialist Republic of Vietnam is the fourth largest importer of Korean agri-food products. And Malaysia is a leading country in the halal food industry and has a high growth potential with the population showing a high growth rate. I hope that trade and cooperation in agri-food products between the three sides will be expanded further.”