The durian is expected to become Malaysia's next major export as the country rushes to develop thousands of acres to cash in on unprecedented demand for the fruit from China.
Hanoi (VNA) - The durian is expected to become Malaysia'snext major export as the country rushes to develop thousands of acres to cashin on unprecedented demand for the fruit from China.
Once planted in family orchards and small-scale farms, the durian is attractinginvestments like never before. Even property tycoons and companies in palm oil,Malaysia's biggest agricultural export, are making forays into the durianbusiness.
The durian industry is transforming from local to global, large-scalefarming due to the great demand from China, said Lim Chin Khee, a durianindustry consultant, adding that the Malaysian government is encouraginglarge-scale farming of durian.
The durian may be banned in some airports, public transport and hotelsin Southeast Asia for its pungent smell, but the Chinese are huge fans.Durian-flavoured foods sold in China include pizza, butter, salad dressing andmilk.
China's durian imports rose 15 percent last year to nearly 350,000tonnes worth 510 million USD, according to the United Nations' trade database.Nearly 40 percent was from Thailand, the world's top producer and exporter.
Malaysia accounted for less than 1 percent, but the nation expected its salesto China to jump to 22,061 tonnes by 2030 from this year's likely 14,600tonnes.-VNA
Malaysian biodiesel production is likely to hit record levels in 2018 and 2019, with 2018 exports on track to double from 2017, pushed up as higher oil prices boost the appeal of biofuels.
Malaysia's new approved direct investments in the services, manufacturing and primary sectors rose 17.7 percent year-on-year to 80.2 billion ringgit (about 19.18 billion USD) in the first half of 2018, according to data released by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) on October 29.
The natural rubber output of Malaysia in September was 49,022 tonnes, falling 22 percent on a monthly basis, according to the country’s Department of Statistics.
Malaysia will continue to fight for free and fair trade in order to protect the interests of developing nations, the Bernama news agency quoted Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad as saying.
The Malaysian Government is in the process of drafting the National Agro-Food Policy 2021-2030, the objective of which is to spur the modernisation of the agro-food sector, said Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.
The focus of the upcoming ASEAN Summit in October will be on strengthening economic relations through intra-regional trade and investment, as well as regional initiatives on energy networks and connectivity.
Indonesian Ambassador Rina P. Soemarno, who currently serves as Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Prague, emphasised the spirit of regional solidarity and cooperation, and the importance of enhancing ASEAN–Czech Republic relations.
The Indonesian Government is determined to seize opportunities to enhance the competitiveness of national agricultural products, an official has said, adding that it always strives to promote exports at the highest possible level, based on a mutually beneficial foundation.
Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira has outlined a six-point strategy to promote innovation, support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and push for Thailand's removal from the US Trade Representative (USTR)’s special 301 Watch List regarding intellectual property rights protection among trading partners.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Israel Ly Duc Trung emphasised ASEAN’s central role in regional mechanisms such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the East Asia Summit (EAS), highlighting its significant contribution to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in Southeast Asia.
The consumer index of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), fell to 51.7 in July from 52.7 in the previous month. The sluggish economy and the trade war, as well as high living costs, continue to undermine confidence, the university said.
Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly Istvan Jakab expressed his hope for further deepening Hungary’s ties with ASEAN countries and called for their support for Hungary’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.
The 30-storey tower crumbled seconds after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit neighbouring Myanmar on March 28. The partially built high-rise, meant to house the State Audit Office (SAO), was the only building in Thailand to collapse, killing 89 people on the site, mostly construction workers.
Indonesia’s waste generation is projected to exceed 50 million tonnes in 2025. Of the total, more than 20 million tonnes could potentially enter the ocean through rivers, coastal areas, small islands, ports, and marine activities, and thereby, pose a risk to coastal ecosystems and marine biota.
Indonesia is accelerating plans to increase lithium imports, particularly from Australia, in a bid to fill gaps in the electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chain and realise its ambition of becoming a global EV manufacturing hub.
Malaysia’s gross expenditure on R&D (GERD) reached 1.01% of gross domestic product in 2022, a notable increase, with more than 51% contributed by the industry sector. The country is targeting GERD to reach 2.5% by 2030, in line with the national goal of transforming into a high-technology nation.
The facility was established in response to a growing shift in the Filipino labour force from the Middle East to Japan, where workers are seeking safer working environments.
In the latest Indonesia-US trade agreement in July, the US administration agreed to reduce the reciprocal tariff, which was initially set at 32% by US President Donald Trump last April, to 19%.
Real estate agency ERA Singapore estimated that there are 2,703 condo developments in Singapore today, of which 836 or 31% are at least 30 years old. In 10 years, this number is expected to climb to 1,160, assuming none is sold en bloc.
The new framework is designed to ensure that incoming investments deliver tangible national benefits, such as the creation of high-quality jobs for Malaysians and the development of local company ecosystems and technologies.
Singapore led with a total of 8.8 billion USD in realised investment, followed by Hong Kong and mainland China, Malaysia, and Japan with 8 billion USD, 1.7 billion USD and 1.6 billion USD, respectively.
Thai Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai on August 7 outlined his strategy for tackling drug problems in Thailand, aiming for a "Zero Drugs Thailand" within three months.
The US has described Malaysia's role as Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as vital in helping ease tension between Thailand and Cambodia.
Indonesia ranks as the world's sixth-largest gold reserve holder, producing an estimated 160 to 200 tonnes annually, mainly through major state-owned enterprises. Despite this, much of the mined gold is held or traded abroad. In 2024 alone, Indonesia exported gold worth 5.4 billion USD while reimporting 2.6 billion USD worth of the metal.
Cambodia and Thailand vowed not to undertake provocative actions that may escalate tensions, including entering the other side’s air space and territory, and refrain from constructing or enhancing military infrastructure.
