KUALA LUMPUR: Exports of Malaysian food products to Japan are projected to increase five to 10 per cent this year from an export value of US$173 million last year.
Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) senior director Datuk Dzulkifli Mahmud said the Japanese economy under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, geared towards turning around the country from its economic malaise, will spur demand for products from Malaysia.
“The majority of our exports of food products to Japan are cocoa and cocoa preparations.
“There is potential for halal products due to the demand from tourists in the country,” Dzulkifli said at a media briefing on the sidelines of a seminar on ‘Export Strategy for Processed Food to Japan’ organised by Matrade.
He said demand for food products is recession-proof and thus news of Japan scaling down on its stimulus plans which caused a sell-off in global markets will not have an impact on exports of Malaysian food products to Japan.
“This is a market which is challenging due to the stringent standards and requirements, and Malaysian exporters need to understand the market,” he said.
However, according to Dzulkifli, there are already successful Malaysian companies who have penetrated into the market.
In this respect, he said, Matrade and the Asean Japan Centre (AJC) have over the years been working together to promote trade and the food industry.
“Every year, Matrade will be invited to participate in programmes organised by AJC such as the Asean Food & Beverages Exhibition,” he said.
This year, 10 Malaysian companies will participate in the Asean Showcase for the food sector, to be held on September 17 to 27 at Asean Japan Hall, Tokyo.
At the recent 38th International Food and Beverage Exhibition (Foodex) Japan 2013, held on March 5 to 8, 20 Malaysian companies participated, and generated RM29.68 million in total sales, he said. — Bernama