JAPAN LAUNCHES FOOD EXPORT PLATFORM IN MALAYSIA

KUALA LUMPUR, May 3 (Bernama) -- The Japan Food Export Platform, led by the Japanese Embassy and Japan External Trade Organisation (Jetro), was launched in Malaysia to support the expansion of Japanese food in the country.

Japanese Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Mitsuo Takahashi said the export platform supports business stakeholders by providing information and promotional activities for Japanese food in Malaysia.

“The launch of this platform in Malaysia is symbolic as this is the first one to be established in a Muslim-majority country,” he said in his speech at the launch yesterday.

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He highlighted that Kobe beef, produced in the Hyogo Prefecture, has obtained halal certification and is now available in Malaysia.

“Global exports of Japanese food, agricultural, and fishery products have been increasing annually since 2011 and reached a new record high last year of more than 1.45 trillion yen (100 Japanese yen = RM3.10).

“Malaysia is ranked 12th and it is also remarkable to note that the export value to Malaysia has grown three times larger in the past ten years,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Japanese ambassador to Malaysia Katsuhiko Takahashi said Japanese cuisine has gained popularity here supported by strong bilateral relations.

“The number of Japanese restaurants in Malaysia has shown a significant increase, with about 1,900 establishments compared to about 1,300 two years ago,” he said in his speech at the launch.

Jetro Kuala Lumpur managing director Koichi Takano said the trade organisation is targeting the growing middle-income market under this platform.

“Malaysia is also attracting attention as a global halal hub and a gateway to the halal market,” he said in his speech.

Takano said Jetro will support the building of new distribution channels by inviting capable distributors to Japan.

Malaysian Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup said Malaysia recognises the potential for the Japan Food Export Platform, the first of its kind in Malaysia, particularly in business and expertise exchange, technology transfer and strategic investment.

It will leverage both countries’ strengths to elevate the food sector and culture.

“In general, Malaysia imports significant amounts of seafood, processed products, feeding stuff for animals, dairy products and beverages from Japan,” he said.

Simultaneously, Malaysia exports agrifood products to Japan such as beverage preparations, processed foods and seafood,”  Kurup said in his speech.

-- BERNAMA