Malaysia's Pineapple Exports To Increase To RM320 Mln By 2020

KUALA LUMPUR, May 15 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s export of pineapples is expected to double to RM320 million (US$73.7 miliion) annually, by 2020 following the signing of the protocol on phytosanitary requirement for the export of pineapples from Malaysia to China. Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek said the signing of the protocol reflected the confidence placed by China in the quality of Malaysian pineapples in terms of hygiene, safety and taste. “For a start, Malaysia can now export 12,000 tonnes of pineapples worth RM40 million within a year to China to be sourced from two plantations that has been approved under the protocol. “This figure is expected to increase further as many entrepreneurs have expressed their interest to export to China to meet the high demand there,” he said in a statement on Saturday after signing the protocol with the Minister for General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine in China, Zhi Shuping. The signing was witnessed by Prime Minister Najib Razak, who is on a five-day visit to China, and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in Beijing. He urged pineapple growers to always observe international standards so as to remain competitive, internationally. Malaysia exported about RM160 million worth of pineapples to Singapore, Iran, United Arab Emirates, the United States and Japan, annually. In 2016, exports of agro food to China totalled RM2.37 billion and it included processed food, sea food, coffee, tea, cocoa and spices. (US$1 = RM4.33) -- BERNAMA