DPMM Urges Members to Export Food, Beverages to Saudi Arabia

By Tuan Azam Tuan Johan KUALA TERENGGANU (Terengganu), Feb 24 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Malay Chamber of Commerce (DPMM) has urged its members to seize the opportunity to invest in the food and beverage sector in the Middle East, especially Saudi Arabia. Its Secretary-General, Syed Hussien Al Habshee said as Saudi Arabia lacked sufficient food and beverage products, it was a good opportunity for Malay entrepreneurs to penetrate the market or even become a major exporter due to their steady increase in demand. "It's good enough for us to focus on food and drinks. In Makkah, only the likes of Coca-Cola and Pepsi are available whereas we have a variety of beverages. "This gives us an advantage as only Muslims are allowed to conduct business there. "DPMM should export more goods to Saudi Arabia, especially Makkah, which is thronged by Muslims, especially for the haj pilgrimage and umrah, especially during Ramadan," he told Bernama after attending the DPMM-Mara Engagement Programme 2017 for the East Zone here Thursday. DPMM Terengganu President Ir Azmi Ali was present. Malaysia exported food and beverage products worth RM350 million (about US$78.6 million) to Saudi Arabia last year. Hence, Syed Hussein called on DPMM members, who were keen to export food and beverages to Saudi Arabia to seize the opportunity during the upcoming official visit of Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Abdulaziz Al-Saud to Malaysia. During the four-day visit from Sunday, King Salman would be accompanied by his entourage, including 70 business leaders would meet about 300 local businessmen at a hotel here. "After luncheon, a B2B (business-to-business) session involving 15 big companies will be held to appraise business opportunities in both Malaysia and Saudi Arabia," he said. -- BERNAMA