The inaugural Malaysian Fruit Promotion at the La Vega Centro Mercardo, Santiago, Chile, recently marked the first penetration of Malaysia's local fruits, especially rambutan and nangka (jackfruit), into the Chilean market.

The event held last Tuesday with collaboration of the Malaysian Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority saw the attendance of more than 200 guests and 13 invited Chilean fruit distributors.

Malaysian Ambassador to Santiago Datuk Dr Mohamad Rameez Yahaya in a statement said that the initiative would enable more Chilean nationals to become distributors of Malaysia's local fruits.

"Although at present, nangka and rambutan are brought here in frozen form, its initial entrance into a nation which is very protective of its agricultural produces, remains a major huge step for more Malaysian agricultural and fruits to enter Chile," he said.

He said it took the embassy a while to get the permission to bring the frozen fruits in, and currently, discussions were being made with the country's authority and interested distributors to bring in other fruits, in their fresh form.

Mohamad Rameez also noted that embassy officers and the Perwakilan Santiago Ladies had also assisted in thawing the frozen fruits, which arrived into the country since Friday, to make it look as fresh as possible.

"The Perwakilan ladies with the La Vega Market Authorities also assisted in preparing 'teh tarik' and 'pengat nangka' for the guests at the event," he said.

Describing the event as a success, Mohamad Rameez added that the event also saw participation of Halal Food Group, Ardenillas Group and Agricola Ballerina Chile Limitada. -- BERNAMA