A significant meeting was held in Tashkent between representatives of the Tashkent Chemical-Technological Institute (TCTI), the Embassy of Malaysia in Uzbekistan, the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC), the Association of Vegetable Oil Producers of Uzbekistan, and the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
The event became an important platform for strengthening scientific and technological cooperation focused on improving food quality, enhancing food security, and advancing public health through education and innovation.
The meeting took place in an atmosphere of mutual respect, constructive dialogue, and a shared commitment to long-term partnership. Participants emphasized the need for joint efforts in developing safe and sustainable technologies for vegetable oil processing, improving food quality, and promoting healthier nutrition for the population.
The discussion covered key areas of cooperation, including joint scientific research in food technology, the establishment of food safety laboratories, the introduction of advanced processing technologies, and the development of modern educational programs for young specialists in food science and biotechnology.
The combination of Malaysian expertise and Uzbekistan’s scientific potential was noted as a strong basis for sustainable development of the food industry and for improving the competitiveness of domestic products in international markets.
Special attention was paid to issues of food safety, environmental sustainability, and the reduction of trans fats in processed foods. Participants stressed that the use of safe and environmentally certified vegetable oils — including palm oil refined according to international standards — supports improved nutritional value and contributes to public health.
Rector of the Tashkent Chemical-Technological Institute, Professor Botir Usmonov, highlighted that this cooperation opens new opportunities for research collaboration, student development, and innovation-driven educational practices. He stated that TCTI is prepared to serve as a center for joint experiments, advanced training programs, and technological initiatives in food safety and oil processing.
The Ambassador of Malaysia to Uzbekistan, Ilham Tuah Illias, and CEO of the Malaysian Palm Oil Council, Ms. Belvinder Sron, reaffirmed that Malaysia views Uzbekistan as a strategic partner in Central Asia and a developing center of scientific activity in the field of food safety. They emphasized that cooperation between the two countries is based not only on practical experience but also on a shared vision of developing a safe and sustainable food system.
Chairman of the Association of Vegetable Oil Producers, Dr. Oybek Zufarov, stated that collaboration between science and industry is essential for improving the quality of life. He underlined the need to implement innovative technologies that will enable domestic producers to create safer, more nutritious, and more competitive products.
A representative of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Uzbekistan stated that the government places priority on food security and the adoption of modern scientific solutions in the agricultural and food sectors. According to him, cooperation with Malaysia and leading scientific institutions in Uzbekistan creates favorable conditions for implementing international quality standards, developing agro-industrial infrastructure, and supporting innovative initiatives in the field of vegetable oil production.
He also noted that such cooperation strengthens Uzbekistan’s position as a responsible contributor to the global system of sustainable nutrition.
Within the framework of this cooperation, the parties agreed to hold joint seminars, conferences, and scientific research projects aimed at developing technologies for vegetable oil processing, ensuring environmental sustainability, and promoting healthy nutrition. The results of these studies are expected to be applied both in industrial production and in educational programs, contributing to the formation of modern food culture and improving public health.
The meeting concluded with mutual goodwill and a clear commitment to further strengthening cooperation between Malaysia and Uzbekistan in the fields of science, technology, and food security. Participants emphasized that through science, education, and innovation, it is possible to build a healthy and sustainable future.
At the end of the meeting, a cooperation agreement was signed between the Tashkent Chemical-Technological Institute, the Malaysian Palm Oil Council, and the Association of Vegetable Oil Producers of Uzbekistan.
The participants also visited the institute’s laboratories.
