KK Supermart Group founder Datuk Seri Dr. Chai Kee Kan, accompanied by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to expand his business into Uzbekistan.

In a statement, Chai emphasized that the MoU aims to strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries, fostering trade and investment activities, as reported by Sin Chew Daily.

The MoU was signed between Samarkand Deputy Governor Oybek Erkinovich Khodjaev and Chai, who is also the executive chairman of KK Supermart Group. The signing was witnessed by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Uzbekistan's Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjaev.

The ceremony took place during Anwar's official visit to Uzbekistan, and was attended by several key Malaysian officials including Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr. Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, and Malaysia External Trade Development Corp CEO Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz, as reported by The Star.

Under the MoU, KK Supermart Group will establish branches in Uzbekistan, a nation with deep historical and cultural ties to Islam. The convenience store chain will introduce Malaysian products to the Uzbek market.

Simultaneously, in Malaysia, KK Supermart Group will open a specialized store to promote Uzbek goods, focusing on fruits and agricultural products, as reported by Sin Chew Daily.

Chai remarked, "An open and stable business environment, coupled with the growth of international trade and investment, will benefit both parties. The collaboration between KK Supermart Group and the Samarkand government will open a new market with great potential, creating more business opportunities and jobs for Malaysia."

He further highlighted the importance of foreign direct investment in driving trade, technological advancement, and economic development. "These investments not only provide financial support for business activities but also introduce advanced management expertise and technological innovation, injecting vitality into economic growth. Ultimately, this will enhance bilateral trade relations and economic cooperation, leading to shared prosperity and sustainable development," he added.