KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 30): Cargill Inc is reaffirming its commitment towards growing its Malaysian business as the agriculture-based company celebrates its 40th anniversary in the country.

In a statement today, Cargill said since it opened its first office here in 1978, Cargill has invested close to US$450 million (RM1.8 billion) to strengthen its operations here.

"Today, the company is present at nine locations and employs more than 750 employees locally," Cargill said.

Cargill said its business growth here is coming from strong global demand for specialised oils and fats, regional demand for chocolate and specialty ingredients, as well as local demand for chicken and seafood products.

The company said local demand for chicken and seafood products presents opportunities for Cargill's animal nutrition business.

"Malaysia hosts regional teams for the trade, sale and marketing of Cargill cocoa and chocolate products as well as specialty ingredients. The company also refines and exports value-added vegetable oils and fats to the global market, produces animal nutrition solutions for domestic consumption and distributes grain and oilseeds locally," Cargill said.

According to Cargill, during its chairman and CEO Dave MacLennan's trip to Malaysia this week in conjunction with the celebration of the company's 40th anniversary here, he said, "Cargill had great success and healthy growth in Malaysia since we first started doing business here.

"We thank the Malaysian government for encouraging our investments and facilitating trade in the region, enabling companies like ours to grow with the Malaysian economy and community."