Local SMEs Tap Into Turkish Market

From Wan Nor Azura Mior Abd Aziz ISTANBUL, Dec 1 (Bernama)-- In a bid to internationalise local products, primarily those produced by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Malaysia recently launched the "Taste of Malaysia" programme at the Carrefour Hypermarket Icerenkoy in Istanbul, Turkey. Deputy Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Rohani Abdul Karim said the Ministry was working very closely with Malaysian manufacturers and Carrefour Malaysia to ensure that every product entering the Turkish market met standards required by the authorities of that country. Among others, Turkish food law requires that products be inspected at the point of entry, as well as at the wholesale and retail levels. She said local SMEs need to observe Turkish food law in order to tap into the market there. "Every food product in the market, has to be labeled clearly, completely and accurately in Turkish," Rohani told Bernama at the launch of the "Taste of Malaysia" Programme. The "Taste of Malaysia" programme was first launched in 2005 in Hong Kong. Since then, similar programmes have been held in Singapore, Jakarta, London, Paris, Hong Kong, Dubai and China. "Through this programme, we have been successful in listing a total of 1,300 Malaysian products," Rohani said. It is targeted to have at least 100 products permanently listed by this month at the Carrefour Hypermarket Icerenkoy, she added. She also said that Malaysian Manufacturers need to aggressively seek new opportunities, diversify or move to new activities, as well as employ greater use of technology to improve efficiency and processes. "The "Taste of Malaysia" programme is one of the best platforms for Malaysian manufacturers to expand their existing markets and increase competitiveness," she added. Companies under the Bumiputera Manufacturers and Services Industry Association of Malaysia (PPIPBM), such as Perusahaan Azan Sdn Bhd, Diamond Consolidators (M) Sdn Bhd and Amalina Holdings Sdn Bhd, participated in the event in Istanbul. Also present at the launch was the Chief Executive Officer of Carrefour Turkey, Guillaume De Colognes. "I think its very interesting to taste products from different countries. By bringing in some new test products from Asean to Europe and Turkey, I believe the programme has been very successful, based on the overwhelming response from the Turkish people," said Guillaume. The launch of the "Taste of Malaysia" was followed by a special cooking demonstration by Malaysia’s celebrity chef, Zamzani Abdul Wahab. In addition to showcasing his culinary skills, Chef Zamzani also introduced Malaysian delights to curious Turkish shoppers. Most of the ingredients used in Chef Zamzani's recipes are featured in the "Taste of Malaysia" section. Carrefour Icerenkoy, Istanbul, is one of the biggest hypermarket outlets in Turkey. -- BERNAMA