Malaysia sees opportunity to expand local products to Gulf countries
by HIDAYATH HISHAM
MALAYSIA has the potential to expand the reach of its local products to Gulf nations through engagements during the 46th ASEAN Summit.
ASEAN Logistics, Media and Publicity Subcommittee head Zamshari Shaharan said the participation of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries presents an opportunity to introduce Malaysian products to new markets.
'At this ASEAN Summit, the GCC could be a new market opportunity alongside other ASEAN countries. Other ASEAN countries may already be familiar with our products, but the Gulf nations represent an opportunity to introduce local products.
'For example, we can bring local fruits to those countries for marketing, which in turn helps promote Malaysian brands abroad,' Zamshari told The Malaysian Reserve (TMR) when met at the exhibition and sales pavilion held in conjunction with the 46th ASEAN Summit.
The GCC — comprising Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain — has been accorded a special role at this year's ASEAN gathering.
The exhibition area is open to the public from May 23 to 25 and to ASEAN delegates from May 26 to 27 at Hall 2, Ground Level, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).
The 2025 ASEAN Summit exhibition, themed The Heritech Malaysia, blends heritage and technology by showcasing local crafts, food and beverages (F&B), government-backed services and offerings from Malaysian companies.
Highlights include gold-thread embroidery demonstrations, live digital wallet showcases, interactive games, craft exhibits, digital installations, product launches and lucky draws.
Other activities feature batik drawing, weaving demonstrations, Orang Asli interactive sessions, giveaways, local product sales, F&B tastings and drone simulations.
Malaysia assumed the ASEAN chairmanship this year from Laos, carrying the theme of Inclusion and Sustainability. This the country's fifth time chairing ASEAN, after previous terms in 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015.
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