On 19 August 2024, the Embassy of Malaysia in Lima with the collaboration of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Diplomacy hosted Sabor de Malasia (Taste of Malaysia), dedicated to Malaysian Traditional and National Dishes at the Embassy. The event was timely in commemorating the 67th Malaysia Independence Day and in conjunction with the Visit of His Excellency Datuk Seri Haji Mohamad bin Sabu, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security of Malaysia to Lima, Peru.
Sabor de Malasia provided the guests with the opportunity to experience Malaysian food, culture and hospitality. This program is one of Embassy's initiatives to promote Malaysia´s gastrodiplomacy, bilateral trade and investment, tourism, peace stability and prosperity, halal and the concept of Malaysia Madani in Peru.
Among the guests present were Foreign Ambassadors and representatives resides in Lima. Other guests included Senior Officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation of Peru, business chambers, academics and researchers, business owners, local personalities active in the arts and culture scene including, fashion designers, writers, chefs, digital content creators and journalists with strong social media presence.
In his opening remarks, Mr Mohamed Shahiran Mohamed Shah, Chargé d'affaires of the Embassy highlighted the cordial and friendly Malaysia-Peru bilateral relations and invite more Peruvian investors to take advantage of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and Malaysia´s strategic location, its developed infrastructure and multi-lingual population for Peruvian companies to coordinate and support their operations in the Asia Pacific region. Together, Malaysia and Peru can look into in expanding economic cooperation between countries in the Southeast Asian and Latin American regions. He also highlighted the uniqueness of Malaysian Traditional and National Dishes which draws influence from Malaysia’s diverse and rich cultural heritage. Noting that Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia has been crowned as the seventh best city globally for food by a lifestyle international magazine, with Nasi Lemak, the world´s famous Malaysian national dish set as the top must-try dish in the country, he invited the guests to savour the culinary journey and soak in the cultural experience.
The afternoon continued with the speech by His Excellency Datuk Seri Haji Mohamad bin Sabu. The Minister highlighted that CPTPP whereby both Malaysia and Peru are member to, has create opportunities for Malaysia to explore potential markets in Peru. With the establishment of duty-free access for trade in goods hence eliminating tariffs for agriculture import-export activity ranging from 3 and 15% eliminated to 0%, enabling Malaysia to potentially increase its agriculture exports to the Peruvian market, focusing on agro-based products. He also extended the invitation to the upcoming Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture & Agrotourism Show (MAHA) 2024 from September 11th -22nd, 2024. This year marks the 100 years since its establishment, demonstrating the growth and continuous support between the public and private sectors in the agrifood supply chain to promote market growth domestically and globally. With the additional of MAHA Go Global segment in this edition, featuring more than 50 international companies from 5 major continents and 100 local companies, this platform serves as golden opportunities for global retailers, distributors and exporters to build up new market access and networks, not to mentioned brand visibility. Lastly, the Minister expressed his appreciation on the support given for this initiative and would like to see more Malaysian agroproducts in the Peruvian market.
Malaysian food experiences are not just about the flavors but also displaying the traditions behind each dish. Malaysia offers a culinary adventure that promises to excite your taste buds and leave you with lasting memories. Infused by the quality ingredients sustainably produced throughout the country, Malaysian spices offer endless opportunity for international market to explore new profiles and enhance their favourite recipes that definitely elevate the bold and aromatic taste profiles.
The food blends indigenous Malay flavors with influences from Chinese, Indian, and other Southeast Asian cuisines creating an everlasting unique eating experience that appeals to both locals and tourists alike, incapsulating the Malaysia Madani spirit.
Next, the guests were invited to try Malaysian Fish Head Curry specially prepared by the Minister; Nasi Lemak, Karipap, Kuih Lapis and Teh Tarik prepared by PERWAKILAN Lima; and Malaysian coffee prepared by DXN and Gano Itouch.
Before the afternoon came to an end, the guests were presented with a lovely souvenir for their participation in Sabor de Malasia, comprising Malaysian products and snacks brought by ACOWDC.