HERBAL INDUSTRTY NOT YET FULLY EXPLORED

KUALA LUMPUR, July 14 (Bernama)-- Malaysia's herbal industry has yet to be fully explored due to weaknesses in marketing and promotions, resulting in the country's products being less known in overseas markets.

Deputy Minister of Tourism Dr James Dawos Mamit said in Sarawak itself, there were more than 3,000 species of trees with medicinal value and which to date are being used by the rural folk there.

He was speaking to reporters after officiating the three-day Herbal Asia 2011 Trade Show which began Wednesday at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC)here.

He said the trade show can be used as a platform for entrepreneurs,
producers, manufacturers and scientists to gather to receive knowledge and explore business opportunities.

Identified as one of the agriculture Entry Point Projects (EPPs) under the National Key Economic Areas (NKEAs)in the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP), the industry has been targeted to achieve a gross income of RM3.25 billion in 2020. (US$1=RM2.99)

James also saw the industry as having the potential to assist in the development of the tourism industry in areas such as spa treatment, herbal clinics and honeymoon packages to attract tourists.

Meanwhile, Herbal Asia chief executive officer Safinah Yaakob said the role of the Herbal Asia secretariat will continue with the launch of the Herbal Awareness Campaign and herbal and health food use survey among visitors and subsequently Malaysians, with the start of the exhibition and until the end of the year.

"Through this initiative, it is hoped that we can determine the level of herbal awareness in the community and gender use as a healthy lifestyle," she added.

The Herbal Asia 2011 trade show is expected to attract 10,000 visitors.
--BERNAMA