KUALA LUMPUR: The penetration of Malaysia's fresh whole jackfruit in the Chinese market marks a new chapter in the country's agriculture industry as it aims to boost exports of its high-value fruits.
Previously, only freeze-dried jackfruit was allowed for export into China.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the ministry was looking at boosting its production, alongside other local fruits including pineapple, in meeting the global demands for them.
"We're looking into boosting production of our pineapple, for instance, with the cooperation of various agencies.
"We were once the top exporter in the world but have fallen to the 23rd spot," he told reporters at the Pavillion KPKM @ MIHAS 2023 today.
The ministry's business development and investment division undersecretary Khalid Ibrahim said the signing of the protocol in April this year to gain market access to China for fresh whole jackfruit would help drive Malaysia's exports of the fruit to about RM30 million within a year.
"This marks a new milestone in the country's export of jackfruit, with our prime minister expected to launch the China-Asean (CA) expo in Nanning for China's market.
"The General Administration of Customs China (GACC) has approved seven more jackfruit processing facilities to ensure that they comply with its specification for the Chinese market."
With this, the ministry targets RM10 million in jackfruit export value to China.
In 2021, Malaysia's jackfruit exports recorded a total value of RM18.5 million, with Singapore being the biggest importer.
Khalid said Malaysia was looking at increasing import of high-value fruits by 20 percent in five years.
"For example, the export value of the Musang King durian is currently at RM1 billion (annually), hence we're aiming to export RM1.2 billion."