Malaysia to engage in ‘durian diplomacy’

BEIJING: The Malaysian delegation will be presenting 43 durians to Chinese leaders today to mark the 43 years of bilateral ties since May 31, 1974.

Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said that while Malaysia was still not exporting fresh durians to China, special permit was given this time for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s working visit to China.

“We call it the ‘musang king diplomacy’,” he said.

The durians arrived at a port in Guangdong province a few days ago and are being taken to Beijing via land transport. They are expected to arrive here today.

Shabery said China was receptive to the import of fresh durians from Malaysia, but only frozen ones were allowed at the moment.

He said fresh durians could fetch up to RM800 per fruit in Hong Kong, adding that they could easily be sold at RM200 to RM300 per kilo in mainland China.

Exports of durian would have to adhere to China’s strict food safety regulations, including on the usage of fertiliser and pesticide, he added.

Meanwhile, International Trade and Industry Minister II Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan said Chinese investors will have to bring in quality investments and use local supplies for their projects in Malaysia.

He said this was specifically written into the memorandum of understanding signed between his ministry and China’s National Develop­ment and Reform Commission on the Belt and Road initiative.