KUALA LUMPUR: There is a huge potential for Australia to export more of its agriculture products, driven by the increasing demand in halal products and Malaysia's prominent role in the halal segment globally, Australian High Commission counsellor (agriculture) Sanjay Boothalingam said.
Sanjay said trade between Malaysia and Australia stood at A$20 billion annually, of which A$2 billion came from agriculture products.
He added that there was a balanced ratio between import and export between both countries, where Malaysia's export to Australia samouted to around A$1 billion every year.
"I would say that there is a huge opportunity for the trade numbers between Australia and Malaysia to increase in the future to be driven by the growth in the halal segment.
"Malaysia can get high quality, halal-compliant produce from Australia, before value adding these products and exports them to so many different countries globally," he told reporters after an exclusive hi-tea event with Australian High commissioner to Malaysia Dr Justin Lee here recently.
Meanwhile, Taste Australia, Australian national brand representing the country's horticulture industry, has kicked off its latest fruit export season in Malaysia.
Dr Lee said the industry had ramped up production this time around despite challenges posed by the pandemic.
"Though there were certain logistical and labour challenges present, the Australian government took forward-thinking policies into action. As such, the industry was able to deliver steady output levels in time for the export season, as part of our continued efforts to deliver fresh fruit produce to our Malaysian friends," he added.
Minister counsellor (commercial) and senior trade commissioner for Malaysia and Brunei Paul Sanda said the Australian government had carried out several measures to support the industry through the pandemic.
These included supporting the International Freight Assistance Mechanism (IFAM) - a temporary emergency measure to protect farmers by keeping global air links open in response to the effects of the pandemic.
"The Australian government continuously experiments with innovative methods to produce fresh, clean and safe produce for the region. With support mechanisms like IFAM, we were able to ensure the fruits maintain their signature Australian quality, from the moment they leave our ports until they reach your grocery bags," Sanda added.