Malaysia To Further Enhance Agriculture Trade With Denmark

KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is looking for ways to further enhance bilateral agriculture trade with Denmark which was on the increasing trend for the past few years and was worth RM480 million (about US$120 million) last year. Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek said there were so much opportunities to be exploited to further increase Malaysia's exports and agriculture balance of trade with Denmark. He said Malaysia would be signing a memorandum of understanding with Denmark to foster closer bilateral cooperation. Both countries have agreed in principle to collaborate in fisheries, livestock farming and agriculture research and development, he said in a statement following a bilateral meeting with Danish Environment and Food Minister Esben Lunde Larsen here Friday. "Denmark has agreed to share its expertise to help develop our dairy industry with the aim of reducing our dependency on imported milk. "Malaysia would also like to increase trade with Denmark by exploring the potential of halal products, including processed products such as frozen foods, snacks, sauces, processed herbs, as well as agro-based handicraft," Ahmad Shabery said. Larsen, who is on a three-day working visit here, said as Denmark and Malaysia were both maritime nations, there were various areas they could work together. "New technologies are now available to enhance the agribusiness sector and Malaysia should take advantage of them," he said. -- BERNAMA