Malaysia-Peru Explore Joint Ventures In Halal Food And Infrastructure

By Nurunnasihah Ahmad Rashid and Mikhail Raj Abdullah

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 31 (Bernama) – Malaysia’s expertise in halal food products combined with Peru’s premium agricultural raw material inputs, such as quinoa, chia seeds, and cashew nuts, offers immense potential for joint ventures (JVs) between the two nations.

Peru’s ambassador to Malaysia, Ricardo Estanislao Morote Canales highlighted these opportunities, emphasising the logistical advantages offered by Chancay Port.

The products could be exported to global markets, including Latin America, the Middle East, China, and Southeast Asia, using Chancay Port, he said in a recent interview with Bernama.

He noted that positioned as one of South America’s most advanced smart ports, Chancay Port offers a direct shipping route to Asia, reducing transport costs by up to 20 per cent.

“This makes it a strategic hub for Malaysian firms to export cost-efficiently to Latin America, Africa and Asia.

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"Developed using Chinese technology, Chancay Port is positioned as Peru’s gateway and regional hub. It is connected by a tunnel to the Pan-American Highway and directly linked to the capital Lima, located 80 km away,” he added.

Building a Halal Ecosystem

The foundation for these Malaysian-Peruvian JVs was laid when both countries signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a halal ecosystem and certification framework during Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to Lima on Nov 13.

Anwar was in Lima to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Meeting, which Peru hosted.

The framework, expected to take up to two years to complete, aims to enable the production of halal-certified products for export to high-demand markets.

“This partnership not only allows Malaysian companies to expand their footprint in the halal industry but also ensures a stable supply chain for global distribution,” Canales said.

He added that the port’s strategic location and advanced operations are transformative, reducing logistical costs by 30 per cent and offering Malaysian firms the chance to establish production facilities near the port.

The JV initiative, he explained also seeks to secure supply chains, lower production costs, and enhance access to new markets for halal and non-halal products.

“This initiative is a win-win for both nations as Malaysia brings its world-class halal expertise while Peru offers premium agricultural inputs and a strategic gateway to global markets,” Canales said.

Infrastructure and Investment Opportunities

The Peruvian ambassador pointed out that the partnership extends to infrastructure development opportunities in Peru, particularly in industrial parks near Chancay Port. 

“These parks provide competitive inputs for production and are strategically positioned for exports.

“This is an opportunity for Malaysian companies to establish a strong production base, particularly in sectors such as electronics and electrical manufacturing, food processing, and pharmaceuticals,” he said.

Peru is actively encouraging foreign investment by offering incentives, recognising Malaysia’s expertise in electronics and its leadership in global exports like palm oil, which is in demand for biodiesel and cosmetics production in Peru, Canales said.

He said the bilateral meeting also explored other areas of cooperation, including JVs in semiconductor production, leveraging Malaysia’s expertise in electronics, and the possibility of establishing rubber glove manufacturing facilities in Peru using Malaysian raw materials and technology.

“This collaboration highlights the global vision of both nations, emphasising not just local market needs but the integration into broader, more competitive markets,” he added.

-- BERNAMA