Chilean Companies Keen To Import Tropical Fruits From Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 15 (Bernama) -- Nine Chilean major fruit distributors have expressed interest to import seedless rambutan and jackfruit from Malaysia, said a statement. The interest was shown at a meeting, held between the potential parties and the Embassy of Malaysia, chaired by Ambassador of Malaysia to Chile, Mohamad Rameez Yahaya. The embassy said the meeting was a follow up to a fruit promotion held in November at the Santiago La Vega Mercardo Central which showcased Malaysian rambutans and jackfruit. It said the frozen seedless rambutan and jackfruit were flown directly from Malaysia with the collaboration of the Federal Agriculture Marketing Authority. The La Vega promotional event also saw Malaysian delicacies such as 'Pengat Nangka' and 'Teh Tarik' being served to patrons who visited the fruit promotion fair. The embassy said depending on the feasibility and viability of importing the tropical fruits, the importers were also interested to source other fruits including the infamous 'Musang King Durian' to serve the palates of many Asians residing in Chile. The import of Malaysian exotic fruits into Chile would further enhance bilateral trade between both countries which stood at more than US$223.99 million (RM1 billion), the embassy said in the statement. (US$1 = RM4.46) Currently, Malaysia's exports to Chile included electric and electronic products, rubber products, furniture, apparel, fabric and Proton cars which made a re-entry into the Chilean market this year. -- BERNAMA