Canada Sees Opportunities To Export More Soybeans To Malaysia

By Dalila Abu Bakar KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 27 (Bernama) -- The Canadian Soybean Council sees opportunities to export more Canadian soybeans to Malaysia, said coordinator Nicole Mackellar. Canada currently exports about 100,000 metric tonnes of soybeans to Malaysia, a majority of which are food-grade soybeans. "There is a slight increase now to 85,000 tonnes from 80,000 tonnes exported a few years ago. We definitely see the market (potential) increasing. We are looking at opportunities to ship more Canadian soybeans to the Malaysian market," she told Bernama at the Canadian Soybean Council seminar here Monday. Malaysia, which represented an important market for Canadian soybeans, imported some 100,000 tonnes a year, making it the eight largest importer of Canadian soybeans. Malaysia is also the second largest importer of Canadian food-grade soybeans after Japan. According to the World Trade Atlas statistics, Malaysia imported about 634,646 metric tonnes of soybeans of all grades valued at US$316.076 million in 2010. Canada's share was about 16.35 per cent at 103,345 metric tonnes. High Commission of Canada senior trade commissioner, Douglas Bingeman, said there were huge business opportunities for both countries to work together, especially in the area of education. "We believe there are opportunities in the area of education. We are looking at possibly setting up something here in joint partnerships with Malaysians. "Canadian universities should explore opportunities to develop the curriculum in Malaysia and promote more Malaysians to seek post secondary or tertiary education in Canada" he told Bernama. Bingeman also said there were huge opportunities in the area of information communication technology and, oil and gas services. "It's just a matter of awareness on both sides, awareness by Malaysians of what Canada can offer and awareness by Canadians exporters that these markets are vibrant and looking for partnerships. "The Canadian oil and gas industry is huge and we welcome Malaysian companies to participate in the Canadian market. "The Malaysia Canada Oil and Gas Council is currently working on two-way Malaysian-Canadian interaction," he added. -- BERNAMA