Latest news with #Forestry
The Star
21 minutes ago
- Business
- The Star
A sweet hit in New Zealand
JOHOR BARU: Johor is looking to tap into New Zealand's growing interest in tropical fruits from Malaysia, especially the MD2 pineapple variety, as part of efforts to expand its agricultural exports. State agriculture, agro-based industry and rural development committee chairman Datuk Zahari Sarip said the opportunity arose during a recent working visit to the island nation with Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He said he was part of the Malaysian delegation where they met with New Zealand's Agriculture, Forestry, Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay at the New Zealand Parliament in Wellington. 'McClay expressed strong interest in Malaysia's halal industry and welcomed closer strategic ties not only in halal certification, but also to position Malaysia as a gateway to the Asean market, which has over 600 million people.' He said McClay was receptive about Malaysian agricultural produce, particularly tropical fruits like pineapples, and had opened the door for investment opportunities for Malaysian companies in New Zealand. Zahari said Ahmad Zahid had suggested that Johor take the lead in seizing the opportunity. 'I will hold discussions with entrepreneurs and relevant agencies to explore this potential further,' he said. Zahari said Johor has 10,558ha of pineapple plantations, producing 347,490 metric tonnes annually, with an estimated value of RM920mil. 'Despite this, our production is still unable to meet the increasing demand from Europe, the Middle East and other international markets,' he said. Zahari also said that during the trip there, he met with a Simpang Renggam-born entrepreneur who has been running a business in New Zealand for about 18 years. 'During the meeting, we discussed the potential for snack products from Johor to get into the New Zealand market.' He said a series of follow-up meetings would be held with government agencies under the Johor Agricultural Export Market Strengthening Committee to explore the opportunity in greater detail. Zahari also highlighted Johor's achievements in the agro-based industry (IAT) sector with the state recording 1,604 registered IAT entrepreneurs last year. 'Johor-based IAT entrepreneurs accounted for 27% of the national total under the Agriculture Department. 'That same year, our IAT sector recorded nearly RM348.2mil in sales, which contributed to 29% of Malaysia's total sales,' he said.
The Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
New Zealand seeks halal industry and trade partnership with Malaysia
WELLINGTON: New Zealand has shown strong interest in deepening collaboration with Malaysia, particularly in the halal industry and regional trade. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi shared that New Zealand's Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Trade, and Investment, Todd McClay, affirmed this commitment during their bilateral meeting. 'The New Zealand government aims to be a strategic partner to Malaysia, not only in halal certification but also by leveraging Malaysia as a gateway to the ASEAN market, which has a population exceeding 600 million,' Ahmad Zahid told reporters. The discussions followed Ahmad Zahid's visit to New Zealand's National Crisis Management Centre (Beehive Bunker), a key facility for disaster and emergency response. McClay also expressed openness to importing Malaysian agricultural products, including tropical fruits like pineapples. Malaysian firms were further encouraged to explore investment opportunities in New Zealand's construction sector. Ahmad Zahid highlighted that the meeting resulted in a strategic agreement to expand bilateral trade, with New Zealand actively participating in regional platforms such as the ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-China Summit and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). He expressed optimism that Malaysia-New Zealand relations would serve as a model for Indo-Pacific cooperation, benefiting both nations. Separately, during a gathering with the Malaysian diaspora in Wellington, Ahmad Zahid announced a NZ$100,000 (RM251,000) allocation to Rumah Malaysia to support National Day celebrations. The funding aims to ease event preparations while acknowledging the patriotism of Malaysians abroad. - Bernama
Barnama
6 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
New Zealand Seeks Strategic Partnership With Malaysia In Halal Industry, Regional Trade
GENERAL From Ahmad Erwan Othman WELLINGTON, July 17 (Bernama) -- New Zealand has expressed a strong interest in forging closer cooperation with Malaysia in the halal industry and has chosen Malaysia as a key strategic partner, particularly in trade across the Southeast Asian region. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi revealed that this commitment was conveyed by New Zealand's Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Trade, and Investment, Todd McClay, during their bilateral meeting today. 'The New Zealand government aims to be a strategic partner to Malaysia, not only in halal certification but also by leveraging Malaysia as a gateway to the ASEAN market, which has a population exceeding 600 million,' Ahmad Zahid told reporters after the meeting. The discussion followed Ahmad Zahid's visit to the National Crisis Management Centre (Beehive Bunker), New Zealand's strategic government control centre for disaster and emergency response. During the meeting that touched on various strategic matters, Ahmad Zahid said McClay also expressed willingness to accept Malaysian agricultural exports, particularly tropical fruits such as pineapples. Additionally, he said Malaysian companies were invited to invest in New Zealand's construction sector. 'Overall, this meeting reached a strategic agreement to broaden bilateral trade relations, including active New Zealand involvement in platforms such as the ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-China Summit and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP),' he said. Ahmad Zahid expressed confidence that Malaysia-New Zealand relations will continue to grow as a model of strategic cooperation within the Indo-Pacific region, bringing tangible benefits to the peoples of both nations.
The South African
6 days ago
- Business
- The South African
Business & Finance Archives
By Grant Smee 16-07-25 18:34 Is property really how 90% of millionaires got rich? We unpack the myth and reveal what actually builds wealth in South Africa today. By Sundeeka Mungroo 16-07-25 15:07 Temu recently launched a new 'local warehouse' in South Africa, promising faster delivery for shoppers – but how does it actually work? By Pauline Torongo 16-07-25 14:20 Opening a ZAR account with a regulated forex broker is a smart move for South African traders who want to save on currency conversion costs and trade with peace of mind. By Ray Leathern 16-07-25 08:53 Ever-more aggressive debt collectors in South Africa are coming under scrutiny for their tactics. Here's what they're doing … By Ray Leathern 16-07-25 07:02 From next month – August 2025 – a fourth payment date for SASSA grants will be implanted by the agency. Here's why … By Garrin Lambley 15-07-25 15:25 Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Narend Singh, has called for G20 leaders to address climate action. By Ray Leathern 15-07-25 08:32 South African businesses urged to get on top of new, stricter BEE quotas that come into effect on 1 September 2025. Here's the latest … By Nokwanda Ncwane 15-07-25 07:34 Are you a taxpayer, and have you changed the contact details you used to register on the SARS system? Here's how you can update them. By Ray Leathern 15-07-25 07:02 Even though free basic electricity is available to the needy, illegal ghost tokens created by Eskom insiders are costing taxpayers billions. By Garrin Lambley 14-07-25 21:40 SASSA has reassured social grant beneficiaries that no payments have been suspended or halted due to the ongoing social grant review process. By Garrin Lambley 14-07-25 20:24 Over the next two days, the delegates will have sessions dedicated to the drafting of a communique. Here's more of what to expect. By Garrin Lambley 14-07-25 12:26 Maropene Ramokgopa will host the fourth G20 Development Working Group meeting and the G20 Ministerial meeting on development next week. By Sundeeka Mungroo 14-07-25 11:41 Takealot recently announced that it would be rolling out even more Pick n Pay delivery pickup points around South Africa this year. By Warren Hammond 14-07-25 09:19 Market volatility is rising in 2025. Discover key risks and smart strategies to protect your portfolio and stay ahead. By Ray Leathern 14-07-25 07:02 How bad is the driver's licence print backlog, that the Department of Transport must turn to Home Affairs for assistance? By Rob de Mezieres 13-07-25 07:06 You may not know who they are, but you've probably seen and loved the film and TV ads of producer David Feldman and director Keith Rose. By Megan van den Heever 12-07-25 16:12 The EFF have branded Elon Musk's internet satellite company, Starlink, a 'terrorist' organisation which poses a 'security threat' to SA. By Garrin Lambley 11-07-25 18:05 South Africa will host the second technical meeting of the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) next week. By Sundeeka Mungroo 11-07-25 10:48 South Africa's economy has been underperforming for over a decade now – but how does that translate to how poor South Africans actually are? By Garrin Lambley 11-07-25 08:47 The 2025 tax season kicked off on Monday, 7 July with auto-assessments notices having been sent to a number of South African taxpayers. By Dumani Moyo 11-07-25 08:34 Get the most out of your braai budget. Explore ways to save on your favorite braai foods and compare costs to keep your wallet happy. By Garrin Lambley 10-07-25 17:00 The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has advised taxpayers who disagree with their auto-assessments not to wait to take action. By Ray Leathern 10-07-25 08:33 In just four years, SA's National Traffic Information System (NATIS) has revolutionised online licencing. And there's more to come … By Ray Leathern 10-07-25 07:02 Public Protector warns SASSA beneficiaries still with Postbank that payment contracts will cease at the end of September … By Nick Pawson 09-07-25 18:47 Cape Town's creative community has an exciting new home in a historic part of the city – and it doesn't cost a cent to work there. By Garrin Lambley 09-07-25 16:58 It's comparatively 'easy' to make money – when you have money to start with. Compound interest is indeed the eighth wonder of the world! By Garrin Lambley 09-07-25 11:25 SA's National Treasury has been allocated R91.835 billion over the medium-term expenditure framework, with SARS receiving the lion's share. By Sundeeka Mungroo 09-07-25 11:00 Chinese e-commerce giant Temu has launched a new local warehouse in South Africa, promising great things for shoppers. By Garrin Lambley 09-07-25 10:59 South African Revenue Service (SARS) Commissioner, Edward Kieswetter, has extended the due date for EMP201 filing and payment for July. By Ray Leathern 09-07-25 09:43 Every municipality countrywide offers free electricity and water. And yet, recipients of these basic services are dropping. Here's why … By Ray Leathern 09-07-25 07:03 Agency CEO lashes out at reports that recent SASSA grant cancellations without review have been a punitive measure to reduce beneficiaries … By AFP 08-07-25 22:13 Donald Trump says the 1 August due date for US tariffs, on South Africa and other countries, is set in stone. By Bianca Lalbahadur 08-07-25 13:21 The Democratic Alliance leader says South Africa can cushion the 30% tariffs imposed by the US, by doing a few things… By Ray Leathern 08-07-25 07:02 With three quarters of a million blocked ID documents stuck in its verification system, Home Affairs was the site of hundreds of protesters … By Garrin Lambley 07-07-25 13:44 As tax payers eagerly awaited the start of the 2025 tax season on Monday, 7 July, they were plagued by endless online hassles. By Nokwanda Ncwane 07-07-25 11:24 As tax season officially opens on Monday, 7 July, some taxpayers have already received auto-assessments from SARS. What does this mean? By Ray Leathern 07-07-25 07:02 A Republican US Congressman is working night and day to sanction South Africa and cut all US diplomatic ties. Here's what he stands for … By Sundeeka Mungroo 04-07-25 15:21 ATMs in SA could soon become a thing of the past, with studies finding that big banks have reduced ATM numbers drastically over the years. By Ray Leathern 03-07-25 12:11 The SA Revenue Service is trialling key changes to auto-assessment in 2025, including invitations to provisional taxpayers … By Ray Leathern 03-07-25 09:32 With D-day for the South African economy looming, it's understood that BEE and land expropriation remain sticking points to progress … By Garrin Lambley 02-07-25 14:11 Following several challenging years, state-owned airline, South African Airways (SAA), is now in a position to contribute economic value. By Ray Leathern 02-07-25 10:02 On the surface, the Citroen C3 1.2T Max may lack the joie de vivre we expect from the French, but it's still a clever compact crossover … By Ray Leathern 02-07-25 08:32 A R60-billion class-action lawsuit by more than 100 000 former homeowners hopes to take down South Africa's 'big-four' banks … By Ray Leathern 02-07-25 07:03 Elderly residents are urged to take advantage of Free Basic Electricity schemes across the country. Here's how it works … By Nick Pawson 01-07-25 14:44 A new campaign led by South African citrus growers aims to reposition grapefruit as a vibrant summer fruit. By Bianca Lalbahadur 01-07-25 12:50 The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources has released the official fuel price adjustments for July 2025. By Pauline Torongo 01-07-25 12:42 Javier Hidalgo strengthens his international leadership profile as new opportunities emerge in Africa, particularly in Botswana. By AFP 01-07-25 11:54 Donald Trump says without American subsidies for Elon Musk's businesses, the Pretoria-born tech mogul would have to 'head back home'. By Ray Leathern 01-07-25 07:02 SASSA Old-Age Grants in July 2025 will be disbursed this week, but there's been upheaval behind agency doors … By Garrin Lambley 30-06-25 13:27 Cape Town-born Reg Bamford was crowned British GC Open Championship for an astounding 13th time on Sunday. By Nick Pawson 28-06-25 21:01 The City of Cape Town recently gave the green light to a set of new informal trading plans in key areas around the metro. By Garrin Lambley 28-06-25 11:05 The latest Henley & Partners Wealth Migration report shows that South Africa continues to be a net loser of high net worth individuals. By Ray Leathern 28-06-25 07:02 Since May 2025, thousands of grant recipients who broke the SASSA income threshold have come face to face with some harsh consequences … By Garrin Lambley 27-06-25 13:07 For the first time ever, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) will trial auto-assessments for a select group of provisional taxpayers. By Dumani Moyo 27-06-25 08:07 Find out where to score the cheapest groceries this weekend as we compare prices at Shoprite, Checkers, Pick n Pay, and Woolworths. By Ray Leathern 27-06-25 07:02 Anyone hoping to access real-time Home Affairs verification technology is in for a rude awakening from next month onwards … By Garrin Lambley 26-06-25 14:44 South Africa's G20 Presidency convened its third Sherpa meeting this week, focusing on a number of critical global challenges. By Garrin Lambley 26-06-25 13:24 South Africa has achieved its first back-to-back primary budget surplus in 16 years, signalling its commitment to fiscal discipline. By Garrin Lambley 26-06-25 10:19 Nearly 4 million pension fund withdrawals totalling R57 billion have been made under SA's two-pot retirement system since its introduction. By Ray Leathern 26-06-25 09:09 SASSA beneficiaries turn an outreach programme meeting into an outlet to air a long list of grievances they have with agency officials … By Ray Leathern 26-06-25 07:02 With 6 800 litres of stowage capacity, the all-new Ford Tourneo Trend LWB Bus is the practical choice in any situation … By Ramadhani Kusaga 25-06-25 10:45 Watch the full version of the 'South Africans are becoming addicted to sports betting' in a minute. By Ray Leathern 25-06-25 09:16 Latest report finds sports betting is starting to overtake the National Lottery for popularity in the R64-billion industry … By Ray Leathern 25-06-25 07:02 Unless urgent interventions take place, South Africa is two weeks' away from living the Trump tariff disaster … By Garrin Lambley 24-06-25 09:49 The latest official data confirms that with one week to go, bad news almost certainly lies ahead for South Africa's motorists. By Ray Leathern 24-06-25 08:56 The Department of Home Affairs is betting big on digital IDs, wallets and e-passports. Here's when they'll supposedly be up and running … By AFP 24-06-25 08:42 Treasury has not specified which projects the World Bank loan will fund, but says the financing plan includes an interest grace period. By Ray Leathern 24-06-25 07:02 An SA F1 GP deal could be clinched this weekend in Austria, as Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie and other officials jet off to Europe … By Garrin Lambley 23-06-25 14:43 SARS has announced the rollout of a new 'Express Access' feature on its eFiling platform ahead of the 2025 tax season. By Garrin Lambley 23-06-25 11:58 It's comparatively 'easy' to make money – when you have money to start with. Compound interest is indeed the eighth wonder of the world! By Garrin Lambley 23-06-25 11:32 The latest official data confirms that bad news almost certainly lies ahead for South Africa's motorists in early July 2025. By Garrin Lambley 23-06-25 10:38 The South African Post Office has unveiled a five-year plan to reinvent itself as a major player in the courier and delivery market. By Ray Leathern 23-06-25 09:08 Sale of loose cigarettes to be banned under the new Tobacco Bill, with informal traders facing hefty fines if caught … By Ray Leathern 22-06-25 07:02 Finally sold in South Africa with a turbo petrol engine, we drive the brilliant Jeep Wrangler Sahara. Can we get an Oorah!? By Ray Leathern 21-06-25 19:02 Here are the seven safest family cars for child occupancy available on the SA used market. Spoiler alert, bigger isn't necessarily better … By Jenna Solomon 21-06-25 15:41 Youth Month highlights the pervasive unemployment issue, but what about the voices of young South Africans with intellectual disability? By Shyleen Choruma 21-06-25 10:23 Researchers uncovered a leak of 16 billion passwords, raising risks of identity theft, phishing, and account takeovers. By Ray Leathern 21-06-25 07:02 The new CEO of SASSA and the National Treasury are at loggerheads already over social grant reviews and verification processes … By Phumlani S Langa 20-06-25 17:09 Nomzamo Mbatha will host with Global Citizen NOW Summit in Sevilla, Spain. Worldwide financial reform will be foregrounded at the summit. By Garrin Lambley 20-06-25 12:48 Deputy President Paul Mashatile has highlighted SA's role as the current chair of the G20 and its commitment to addressing global challenges. By Garrin Lambley 20-06-25 10:42 The latest official data confirms that bad news lies ahead for South Africa's motorists in July 2025, especially for diesel vehicle owners. By Garrin Lambley 20-06-25 10:03 MTN Group is under fire from shareholders after nearly R249 million was paid to its executives and board members during 2024. By Warren Hammond 19-06-25 14:46 Geopolitical violence is escalating fast; June and July 2025 are shaping up to be dangerously volatile months. By Garrin Lambley 19-06-25 12:51 The latest official data suggests that bad news lies ahead for South Africa's motorists in July 2025, especially for diesel vehicle owners. By Fazila Olla-Logday 19-06-25 11:13 As online trading gains momentum across Africa, traders are increasingly seeking reliable brokers that cater to the continent's unique financial landscape. By Ray Leathern 19-06-25 09:29 Financial experts reveal that the South African economy has lost R5 trillion over the last 15 years. Here's why … By Garrin Lambley 18-06-25 12:40 The latest official data now suggests that bad news lies ahead for South Africa's motorists in July 2025. Here's how bad it is … By Ray Leathern 18-06-25 09:49 Government officials and trade unions want to intervene after yet another major factory closure was announced for South Africa … By Ray Leathern 18-06-25 08:10 There are growing calls for government to suspend driver's licence fines in 2025 until the growing printing backlog is cleared … By Gordon Glyn-Jones 17-06-25 16:57 From Soweto exile to the United Nations, Kingsley Mamabolo reflects on resistance, reconciliation and the path to a truly free Africa. His story is now published as a hardcover called: Let Not The Sun Set On You By Garrin Lambley 17-06-25 13:45 The mid-month official data now suggests that bad news lies ahead for South Africa's motorists in July 2025. By Pauline Torongo 17-06-25 13:39 By expanding its FSCA-regulated offering with the inclusion of Crypto, PrimeXBT is one of the first brokers in the region to truly bridge the gap between traditional and digital markets. By Gordon Glyn-Jones 17-06-25 11:31 Theatre director Greg Karvellas reflects on his time at The Fugard, the challenges of storytelling today, and why his latest production of 'Moffie' matters now more than ever. By Ray Leathern 17-06-25 09:21 The CEOs of South Africa's network providers came under fire in Parliament for sub-standard service delivery to the poor … By Ray Leathern 17-06-25 07:39 Lesotho textile factories face widespread redundancies with looming 50% trade tariffs. And there's a knock-on effect for South Africa … By Garrin Lambley 16-06-25 12:41 South Africa-born Elon Musk is comfortably the richest man in the world – even after his recent remarks on X saw his Tesla shares plummet. By Sundeeka Mungroo 15-06-25 17:30 Some CEOs of South Africa's top State-owned enterprises (SOEs) are raking in a whopping R15.5 million a year. By Garrin Lambley 15-06-25 09:22 Woolworths CEO Roy Bagattini has come under renewed scrutiny after selling 700 000 shares in the company, netting more than R38.4 million. By Garrin Lambley 15-06-25 09:09 MultiChoice has reported a major slump in its subscriber base, losing 2.3 million active DStv customers over the past year.
6 days ago
- Business
Food Waste in Japan Edges Down to New Record Low
Japan Data Society Environment Jul 17, 2025 Food waste in Japan reached a record low of 4.64 million tons in fiscal 2023, although it only fell by 80,000 tons year on year. In fiscal 2023, estimated food waste in Japan decreased by 80,000 tons year on year to a new record low of 4.64 million tons. This amounts to an annual per-capita total of 37 kilograms. The figure was announced by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries; the Ministry of the Environment; and the Consumer Affairs Agency. Waste in the food industry was 2.31 million tons (down 50,000 tons year on year), of which 660,000 tons was from the restaurant industry (up 60,000 tons). MAFF states that the increase in eating out after the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise in international visitors were likely causes. Household food waste was at 2.33 million tons (down 30,000 tons). The government previously set a target for fiscal 2030 based on halving food waste compared to fiscal 2000, but this was achieved in fiscal 2022. It has altered its target to reduce business waste by 60% and household waste by half. The fiscal 2023 level of food waste means ¥4 trillion in economic losses and 10.5 million tons in carbon emissions (converted to carbon dioxide equivalent). This amounts to ¥31,814 and 84 kilograms per citizen. Data Sources (Translated from Japanese. Banner photo © Pixta.) food
