SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak launched the first overseas Malaysian Agrobazaar in Singapore here today.
Najib, who was accompanied by his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, jointly launched the event with his counterpart, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at 6pm in the island republic's popular Sultan Gate tourist area.
Lee was accompanied by his wife Ho Ching.
Present at the event were Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa.
Also present included Malaysia High Commissioner to Singapore Datuk Husni Zai Yaacob and Singapore National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan.
In his speech, Najib said the Agrobazaar aims to bring the best of Malaysian produce to some of the most discerning consumers in Asia.
"Given the superb quality of our fresh fruits and the high calibre of Singapore'a eateries, I'm sure it will be a lasting success," he said.
Najib added that for outsiders, Malaysian fruits are some of South East Asia's most iconic attractions.
"Yes, we have historic cities, idyllic beaches and world-famous twin towers. But our rambutan, mangosteen - and above all, durian - really pull in the crowds.
"As a proud Malaysian, I always do my part to ensure such visitors get their fix. In fact, I get to serve world leaders durian!" said Najib.
On the Agrobazaar concept, the prime minister said the outlets will allow Malaysia's premium food items - not just fruits, but halal foods and regional specialities - a place to shine.
He said the Agrobazaar in Singapore, with the continuous support from the government and businesses in Singapore, is also testament to the strong and enduring relationship between both countries.
Lee in his speech said he was happy that Malaysia has chosen Singapore as a destination for its first overseas Agrobazaar.
"Such a unique project will benefit the people of both countries as there will be many types of fruits available from most states in Malaysia, now be readily available here.
"Food is important, but most of all the Agrobazaar reflects on the close friendship of both countries," Lee said.
Similar to the other projects that link both countries like the high-speed rail and mass rail transit (MRT), Lee said the Agrobazaar can draw the people of both countries closer together.
Later, as a gesture of goodwill, Najib presented Lee with popular local fruits as part of his visit here.
Both prime ministers also signed a plaque to comemorate the event before a tour of the 464 sq metre two-storey Agro-bazaar shoplot.
Both Najib and Lee then adjourned to a private event at the Singapore Sports Hub on a tour before dinner.
It is learnt that both leaders will disscuss several common issues in efforts to strenghten bilateral ties between the two countries.
The Agobazaar was an idea mooted by Najib when tabling the 2014 Budget in October last year, and Singapore as host to the first Malaysian Agrobazaar overseas.
The initiative was driven by the Agriculture and Agro-based Ministry’s Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama).
The setting-up of the Agrobazaar in Singapore is a stepping stone for Fama to further penetrate foreign markets in the near future. It is a hub model for Malaysian products.
The outlet in Singapore is based on the "Fruit, Grocery, Restaurant" (Fru-ce-rant) concept, which focuses on premium tropical fruits and fruit-based products, sale of agro-based products and food and beverage services. This new concept is expanding in Singapore and world markets.
Among the products that are available at the Agrobazaar include durians, jackfruits, mangosteens and other fruits.
Also available would be the Malaysian traditional snacks, such as kerepek pisang and kerepek ubi.