Fifteen Malaysian companies took part in the mission aimed at exploring business opportunities in the Commonwealth of Independence Countries (CIS) market that include the two countries, the report said.

"This is in line with Malaysia’s export promotion strategies of diversifying into newly emerging markets for Malaysian products and services," said International Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI) secretary-general Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Mamat.

A total of 283 business meetings involving 208 Uzbek and Kazakh companies were held during the 20-22 October mission to Tashkent in Uzbekistan followed by Almaty in Kazakhstan on 22-24 October.

Sales were generated mainly in wooden and plastic furniture, palm oil and palm oil-based products, automotive parts and components, engineering products and waste management services.

Two memoranda of understanding were also inked for the provision of a waste management system and power transformers in the two countries.

A statement from Matrade Dubai office said feedback gathered during the mission pointed to great potential for exports of Malaysian products and services to CIS countries, particularly food items, household products, engineering products, automotive parts and components as well as logistics and tourism services.

It said MITI and its agencies may consider organising an exhibition in the CIS region to further promote and showcase Malaysian products and services.