Herbal Asia 2017 Expects RM10 Mln Sales

KUALA LUMPUR, April 6 (Bernama) -- The Herbal Asia 2017 exhibition, from Sept 20-22, expects to rake in sales of RM10 million (US$2.25 million)compared to RM5 million last year. Chief Executive Officer/Founder of Herbal Asia event, Safinah Yaakob, said with 350 exhibitors, the target was achievable. "We are also targeting to get 20 international companies. So far we have 12," she told reporters after the soft launch of Herbal Asia 2017 here Thursday. Safinah said more transactions could be sealed after the event with the possibility of companies ordering raw materials. There could also be tentative collaborations and joint-ventures with local companies, she said. She said with the goal to raise the exhibition’s international standards to greater heights, an 'Investor Exchange' would be held with the aim to bring in international investors to spur innovations and opportunities. Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Wilfred Madius Tangau, who officiated the soft launch, said under the Economic Transformation Programme, the gross national income generated by herbal products could reach up to RM2.23 billion. "Herbal Asia has established Malaysia as one of the main trading hubs in South-East Asia. Through the exhibition, foreign investors realise that there are huge untapped resources within the country that need to be discovered,” he said. He said in conjunction with the exhibition, Herbal Asia Global Award 2017 would be held to recognise and honour achievers, major contributors and successful individuals in the herbal industry. The exhibition, in its 10th anniversary, is themed ‘Towards Sustainable Marketplace: Practices, Innovation and Commercialisation. (US$1 = RM4.43) -- BERNAMA