PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and China are exploring the potential implementation of a green lane pilot project to expedite document verification and inspection procedures for high-value agricultural products, thereby expanding market access for food products between the two countries.
The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry said in a statement Monday (Nov 2) that the matter was discussed during a courtesy call by Nanjing Customs deputy director-general Cao Chuanqing on Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin last Friday (Oct 30).
"The meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to explore potential cooperation in the agriculture and food security sector, particularly in expediting import and export approvals and expanding market access for food products between Malaysia and China.
"Among the key matters discussed was a proposal to implement a green lane pilot project at Nanjing Lukou International Airport to expedite document verification and inspection procedures for high-value agricultural products from Malaysia, including durians, bird's nests, seafood and fresh fruit," the ministry said.
The ministry said the meeting also discussed a proposed inspection protocol for the export of fresh durians by land through third countries, aimed at providing a more efficient and cost-effective logistics alternative.
According to the statement, bilateral agricultural trade between Malaysia and China amounted to RM44.40 billion last year, with Malaysian exports accounting for RM21.81bil and imports RM22.59bil.
Total bilateral trade between the two countries stood at RM541.54bil during the same period. - Bernama
