PETALING JAYA: Malaysia should export more coconuts and related products in order to contribute to the country’s Growth Domestic Product (GDP), said Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Salahuddin Ayub.
He said Malaysia remains one of the top 10 coconut-producing countries in the world, adding that the coconut was the fourth most important industrial crop in Malaysia after oil palm, rubber and rice.
“In terms of economic value, together with other food crops such as durian and pineapples, it has contributed three per cent to the country’s GDP for five years consecutively.
“Malaysia has its fair share of experience in the trade of coconut-based product exports which has increased by 70.7 per cent from 18,481 metric tonnes in 2012 to 63,074 metric tonnes in 2016.
“Despite a positive growth, more needs to be done. This includes efforts to increase productivity as well as adapting to the dynamic market requirement,” he said at the 54th Asian and Pacific Coconut Community (APCC) Session and Ministerial Meeting opening.
At the five-day programme, 18 countries including Malaysia will discuss and exchange ideas on ways to increase the coconut productions, promote cooperation, technology and tackle challenges in the coconut industry.
Salahuddin said, in realising the emerging importance of the coconut industry for the country, the ministry had introduce an initiative known as Source of Earnings and Sustenance.
He said the initiative could generate income, wealth and bring prosperity for farmers as well as manufacturers.
“A huge amount of budget has been allocated for 2018 alone for the development of the industry; the largest sum allocated for the crop sector.
“We hope to share all the technology ideas and promoting our coconut made products at the international level,” he added.