M.A.H.A.

Malaysian Expo Provides Opportunities for Agri Entrepreneurs

SERDANG, Nov 23 Asia Pulse Entrepreneurs who wish to venture into agriculture and agro-tourism industries can acquire vast knowledge about them at the Agriculture, Horticulture and Agro-Tourism (MAHA) 2006 Exposition, being held at the Malaysian Agro-Exposition Park, here.

MAHA Expo Working Committee chairman Mohamed Shariff Abdul Aziz said this was because the expo, the biggest in South-East Asia, showcased the A to Z of various agro-based technologies.

"For instance, visitors will be exposed to value added systems, get to develop new networks with other businessmen, and gain insight on how to market their products at hypermarkets," he told Bernama when met at the expo site Wednesday.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi opened the expo yesterday, in which 697 entrepreneurs and government agencies are participating.

MAHA 2006 is organised by Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Ministry with the co-operation of the Federal Agricultural Marketing Board (FAMA) and the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE).

Shariff said that visitors would also be exposed to business and investment opportunites, methods of securing loans and other aspects of the sector at a special seminar.

Foreign participants including from Yunan Province, China, are also showcasing new farming techniques at the expo.

Other countries participating include Australia, India, New Zealand, Belgium, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Canada, Laos and Indonesia.

"More than 2,000 people have registered for the seminar. This is very encouraging and augurs well for future expositions," added Shariff.

(BERNAMA-OANA)