KUCHING: There is a huge potential for the state to market its agricultural produce in the global community, especially China.
Minister of International Trade and E-Commerce, Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh said the state will be able to promote and market its agricultural produce with the collaboration of relevant government agencies.
He said the relevant authorities and parties could work closely to enhance productivity and product quality, and come up with marketing strategies to promote Sarawak’s produce.
Based on the statistics of Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade), Wong said there is high demand for Durian Musang King, bird’s nest, Tongkat Ali and marine produce among the mainland Chinese.
“And Sarawak has what it takes to produce all those for the mainland Chinese market,” he said.
Sarawak, which is blessed with quality land and water, has been described as ‘heaven on earth’ by many foreign researchers and investors, he said, adding that it is now all down to the various government agencies to nurture such potential so as to come up with quality produce that meet the global demand.
Wong said these at a dialogue session with Matrade chief executive officer Dr Mohd Shahreen Madros at his office on Tuesday.
Both Wong and Shahreen agreed upon the need to further assist small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Sarawak to develop products that are required by the world market.
Shahreen said Matrade will work closely with the state government by providing information and services for individuals who need them.
He added that this is to create awareness of the global demand among the SMEs so as to promote produce of Sarawak to the world market.
According to him, it is vital for SMEs to alter their marketing strategy and mindset if they want a part to play in the global market.
He added that Sarawak also had the potential to promote Halal products in China.
