MARAN: Rural development can no longer be viewed solely through a domestic lens but must form part of a broader regional and global agenda, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
“The opportunities ahead are immense. Malaysian rural products and brands must have the confidence to penetrate international markets. This can only be achieved if we recognise that rural networks should not stop at national borders,” the Deputy Prime Minister said at the World Rural Development Day 2026 celebration at Stadium Tun Abdul Razak here yesterday.
Ahmad Zahid said he wants the National Rural Economy Agenda to serve as the country’s overarching blueprint for the next phase of rural development.
“More than 7,000 new rural entrepreneurs have been developed, creating 15,000 jobs and generating sales exceeding RM1.77bil.
“We are moving beyond infrastructure-focused development towards a more holistic, competitive rural economy that is ready to meet the demands of future markets,” he said, Bernama reported.
