Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek says the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board aims to increase production by 20% next year in view of the great demand for the fruit in China.
He said demand from the Chinese market was for 100 tonnes each week, but Malaysia was only able to provide about 60 tonnes, reported The Star.
Ahmad Shabery said in view of the great demand for the fruit, the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (MPIB) aimed to increase production by 20% next year, especially the MD2 variety which seemed to be a favourite.
“The increase in pineapple production and export will also help boost many related industries, such as logistics, warehousing and shipping,” he said, adding that China was a huge market for Malaysian exporters.
“We are planning to visit China again next month to promote our birds’ nests,” The Star quoted the minister saying.
Ahmad Shabery said both countries were working on an agreement to export fresh durians to China within a year.
“Due to China’s strict biosecurity and food safety regulations, whole durians cannot be brought into the country because our fruits come in contact with soil when they fall from the trees,” he was quoted as saying.
He said his ministry was working with durian farmers to ensure that China’s criteria were met.
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Sumber Great demand for Malaysian pineapples in China