MATRADE committed to growing Malaysian F&B exports to Japan

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia External Trade Development Corp (MATRADE) will lead the participation of Malaysian companies at the 46th International Food and Beverages Exhibition (FOODEX Japan 2021), which will be held in Chiba, Japan, from March 9 to 12.

It added that Malaysian companies would find strong interests to grow halal offerings and be able to leverage on the growing trend in ready-to-eat packaged food, sweets and confectionery, and healthy and elderly care-related products.

The agency noted that Malaysia's processed food exports to Japan were valued at RM932 million last year.

MATRADE trade commissioner in Tokyo, Niqman Rafaee Mohd Sahar, urged Malaysian companies which are keen to grow their exports to Japan, to take advantage of the existing tariff elimination and reduction on the export of key products into the market.

"These have been derived from the trade agreements signed by both countries under the Malaysia-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement and also the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement," he said.

MATRADE will coordinate export promotion activities by government bodies at the event.

"This also serves as an initiative to assist Malaysian companies to quickly recover their business activities through exports," Niqman added.

First-time attendee, SD Impex Sdn Bhd, has penetrated the Japanese market since the end of 2020, and is currently active in promoting its product range both in the online and offline markets.

The company expects that by participating in FOODEX 2021, it would be able to explore new market opportunities, including meeting potential buyers and importers to distribute its products under the Asian Taste and MyKitchen brands.

SD Impex is working closely with MATRADE to link with reputable local players, as well as to conduct product promotions via food tasting and demonstration events in Tokyo and Nagoya.

Golden Fresh Sdn Bhd (GFSB), which carries the Pacific West and Subi brands, believes that participation in the event will further expand exports of its premium and value-added seafood products to the market.

With its experience supplying to major international sports events, GFSB expressed hope it can supply its halal-certified products for the Tokyo Olympics.

Malaysian exporters who are interested to export to Japan may contact MATRADE Tokyo at tokyo@matrade.gov.my.

-- BERNAMA