Shabery dares FOA to create 'World Champion' product

The Farmers Organisation Authority (FOA) has been challenged to create a 'world champion' product to pave the way for local products to penetrate global markets.

Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said the idea would be in line with the FOA's transformation plan.

"Don't just speak about being self-sufficient. The world has changed. Being self-sufficient, eradicating poverty are matters of the past," he said when opening the FOA 44th Year Transformation programme here today.

Also present was FOA chairman Tan Sri Zainal Dahalan.

Ahmad Shabery said in a bid to advance further, the FOA should not focus on competing among themselves on their home turf.

"I'm not talking about being a champion just among us. I'm talking about emerging champion when competing with Thailand and Japanese products. Only then we can be proud to say this is our product," he said.

At the event, Ahmad Shabery also presented the letter of establishment to six FOA Region Engineer Offices and the Malaysian flag to the FOA team set to scale Mt Kilimanjaro in Africa. - BERNAMA