JOHOR BARU: Malaysia has been selected as the guest of honour at the Harbin International Economic and Trade Fair in China next year, says Nga Kor Ming.
The Housing and Local Government Minister said the invitation to the fair, one of China’s largest expos, reflects the international community’s strong recognition of Malaysia's economic potential.
"I am pleased to announce that Malaysia has been chosen by China... (to be) the guest of honour at their biggest expo next year.
"The Housing and Local Government Ministry, together with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), will set up a Malaysia Pavilion during the expo.
"Our marketing focus will include promoting village-based products to further boost the local economy, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs)," he told a press conference after the closing of the Chinese New Village Expo at a mall here on Sunday (Oct 26).
Nga said Malaysia's selection for the fair, which recorded over RM200bil in trade value in May this year, will showcase a variety of Malaysian village products to international visitors.
"It is also in line with the government’s commitment to strengthen rural community economies through our One Village One Product policy, which encourages each village to produce a signature item capable of penetrating the global market," he said.
Meanwhile, on the expo here, Nga said it was held for the first time in Johor after being organised in the northern zone last year in Ipoh, Perak.
"In Malaysia, we have 613 new villages and 16,000 traditional villages.
"If every village can produce one product or brand that brings pride to the nation, it will boost the economy, create job opportunities, and increase villagers’ income.
"This way, villagers will not need to migrate from their hometowns. Instead, they can stay in their villages while earning a living and creating employment opportunities," he said.
He added that 36 SME products have been selected to receive "Kampung Good" certification, bringing the total number of recognised products since last year to 57.
"The ministry, through various NGOs, will help those who have received this certification to promote their products.
"We want these products not only to sell well locally but will also help them obtain halal certification so that village products can be marketed more widely," he added.
