KUCHING: Sarawak produces a range of in-demand food products which could potentially be exported to China – however, insufficient supply and inconsistency in availability are proving to be major challenges.
State International Trade and E-Commerce Minister Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh said there is huge demand for products such as Tongkat Ali, bird’s nest, marine products and durian – particularly the Musang King.
“Food items are in high demand in China and they want them in huge volumes and consistent supply, as they need to distribute them throughout China.
“However, we can’t produce enough volume and on a consistent basis to fulfil the demand. Thus, China is not keen on trading with (Sarawak on food items).
“Most products from local farmers are produced in a traditional agricultural manner. So we need to look into commercial farming if we want to produce in huge volumes regularly,” he added.
Wong said the Ministry is working closely with the Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development Ministry to increase and improve local produce.
Speaking to reporters at a press conference here, he said Sarawak recorded a total of RM39.4 billion in exports in the first five months of the year.
The major export products, he said, were liquefied natural gas, crude petroleum, palm oil, timber and timber-related products.
Meanwhile, the value of imports amounted to RM17.1 billion, with a majority of them comprising machinery and transport equipment, chemicals as well as manufactured goods and food items.
“We will continue to promote local businesses to enhance Sarawak’s trading volume by participating in various trade fairs and exhibitions nationally and internationally.
“We want to establish government-to-government (G2G) and business-to-business (B2B) networks, as well as support our local entrepreneurs and business communities to help them trade their products internationally.
“Currently, we are focusing on China as it is a huge market,” he added.