Malaysia-Denmark Ink MoU To Develop Dairy Industry

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 23 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and Denmark inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Thursday which will facililtate the development of the nation's dairy industry, hence paving the way for close collaboration in the agriculture industry. Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek said the move was a concrete step by Malaysia to reach a higher level of food sufficiency and reduce dependence on imported milk. Malaysia's import of diary products averaged about US$679.03 million (RM2.8 billion), annually, which also included the import of 20 million liters of milk especially from Australia and New Zealand. "Increased production of milk will not only reduce imports but it can also help increase milk intake among Malaysians, especially fresh milk, as a source of protein and nutrition. "Food plays a vital role in nation building and nutritious food would ensure the development of an active mind and body," said Shabery in a statement. Denmark, although a small country, emerged as a global producer of food, thanks to the utilisation of innovative technology, systematic land use and an aggressive cooperative movement. Shabery signed the MoU on behalf of the Malaysian government in Copenhagen while Danish Minister for Environment and Food Esben Lunde Larsen signed on behalf of Denmark. The minister is on a two-day visit to Denmark and his itinerary included visits to Arla Foods's production plant and dairy farms. Arla Foods, an international cooperative with 13,000 members based in Aarhus, Denmark, is the fifth largest producer of dairy products in the world with an anual turnover exceeding US$10.91 billion (RM45 billion). --BERNAMA