KOTA KINABALU: Kota Kinabalu Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KKCCCI) Vice President cum Overseas Business Delegation Chairman Andy Lim Chen Kwong called on local enterprises to seize emerging opportunities by leveraging Malaysia’s New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030) and actively joining overseas study tours to unlock the vast potential of the food processing industry.
Andy said: “According to the NIMP 2030: Food Processing Industry report published by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), by 2028, the global food market is expected to reach RM58.1 trillion at 6.7% growth, while the Malaysian market is projected to grow at 8%, leading to a market size of RM310.9 billion by 2027.
“Meanwhile by 2050, the global population is projected to reach approximately 10 billion, driving to a significant increase in food demand with food producers needing to increase production. In parallel, with rapid urbanisation occurring rapidly worldwide, 70% of the global population is expected to live in urban areas by 2050. As a result, this has led to shifts in consumer trends.
“This structural shift will drive overall demand for food and food processed products. Against this backdrop, higher urbanization leads to the increased demand for ready-to-eat meals, fast food, store-bought convenience items. Furthermore, rising consumer incomes are shifting preferences toward alternative protein options. In addition, contemporary consumers are placing greater concerns on the origin, production methods and nutritional value of their food. Consequently, stronger cold chain, processing, and packaging capabilities will be required to reduce losses and ensure food safety.”
Andy stressed that these figures clearly demonstrate the growth potential of the food processing industry. He urged local enterprises to take proactive steps, actively engage in international study tours and expand their global outlook. By deepening trade cooperation and technological exchange, Sabahan enterprises can secure a stronger position in the global food processing value chain.
He made these remarks after leading a 27-member KKCCCI delegation to attend the “31st International Processing and Packaging Exhibition (ProPak China 2026)” organized by Sinoexpo lnforma Markets held at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai, China.
ProPak China is a trade exhibition in China’s processing and packaging industry, focusing on the entire value chain of processing and packaging solutions. In conjunction with FoodPack China 2026, the event covers a total area of 200,000 square meters, bringing together more than 2,500 exhibitors and over 120,000 visitors from over 135 countries and regions. Exhibits are spread across eight major halls, including health and nutraceutical, food ingredients, organic products, starch, international and premium brands, packaging leading brands, food processing, filling and fermentations, smart manufacturing, daily chemical processing & packaging, packaging materials and containers.
The KKCCCI delegation poses for a group photo during ProPak China 2026.
