KLANG: Malaysia must explore new markets, including the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), to promote its food products, said Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.
He said it has always been the ministry's aspiration to see local products penetrate the international market.
"I have reiterated this many times that we must explore new markets for our food products. We should focus on exporting food and processed food products to these countries.
"If you go to the CIS, you'll see very few products from Malaysia, unlike products from Thailand and Vietnam
"We are somewhat lagging," he told reporters after attending the Selangor Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) Fest held at Aeon Bukit Tinggi.
Present were Agriculture and Food Security Ministry secretary-general Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali, Fama chairman Aminuddin Zulkipli and director-general Abdul Rashid Bahri.
Earlier, in his speech, Mohamad emphasised the need for Malaysia to explore these new markets.
He also highlighted the importance of expanding Fama's role as an agent in promoting Malaysian products abroad, especially food.
He added that food products produced in Malaysia that could be marketed include coffee.
"Our coffee is quite well-known internationally and we have many types that meet international standards," he said.
On the Selangor Fama Fest 2024, which commenced on Thursday (June 27), Mohamad said it was expected to attract 200 entrepreneurs and 50,000 visitors over the four-day programme, with a sales target of RM750,000.
"The fest will also help to create opportunities for local entrepreneurs to export their products through business matching sessions involving exporters from the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and Cambodia, with estimated sales potential of RM3 million."
Since its inception in 2017 until last year, the Fama Fest has garnered positive responses from consumers and entrepreneurs, with sales totalling RM24 million involving 2,180 participating entrepreneurs and attracting 2.2 million visitors.
During the event, Mohamad also presented mock cheques amounting to RM645,750 as grants to 40 recipients.
These grants were allocated for programmes such as Young Agropreneur and Agrobazaar Rakyat.