It takes a village: Nga (second from right) visiting booths during the closing ceremony of the Chinese New Village Expo in Johor Baru. — Bernama
JOHOR BARU: Malaysia has been named 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 honour reflects the international community’s strong recognition of the country’s economic potential.
“I am pleased to announce that Malaysia has been chosen by China and given the honour of being the guest of honour at their biggest expo next year,” he told reporters yesterday.
He said his ministry, along with non-governmental organisations, will be setting up a Malaysia pavilion at the fair.
“Our marketing focus will include promoting village-based products to further boost the local economy, especially the small and medium enterprises sector.
“We plan to introduce a variety of village products to international visitors.
“This is 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 entering the global market,” he added.
He said Malaysian businesses raked in more than RM200bil at this year’s trade fair, which was held in May.
Nga, who was speaking at the closing ceremony of the Chinese New Village Expo here, said Malaysia has 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,” he said.
A total of 57 village-made goods have received the Kampung Good certification, an initiative to recognise and promote high-quality products from villages.
