KUCHING, Sept 8: The Sarawak AgroFest 2022, slated to be held from Nov 18 to 20 at Borneo Kuching Convention Centre (BCCK) here will see participation from 14 countries and is expected to generate RM3 million in total sales.
Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi disclosed that the biggest agricultural festival in Sarawak in its third edition will feature up to 250 trade booths and exhibition that is expected to draw 50,000 visitors from all over Sarawak as well as Sabah, Peninsular Malaysia and 14 countries.
“The 14 countries which have confirmed their participation in the festival as exhibitors, potential investors, workshop speakers and visitors are Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Myanmar, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, South Korea, Japan, New Zealand and the Netherlands, apart from Sarawak, Sabah and Peninsula Malaysia.
“Moreover, we will also introduce a special award for the most active industry player,” he said in a news report by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) yesterday (Sept 7).
Dr Rundi is confident that the Sarawak AgroFest 2022, themed ‘Food for the Future’, will help catalyse actions for sustainability and food security in Sarawak.
“It is important to ensure sustainability of the country’s food supply, especially when the country faces an unexpected situation,” he said.
As Sarawak aspires to become a net food exporter by 2030, he emphasised that this goal can be achieved through commercialisation that capitalises on modern agriculture and global cooperation.
“Commercial agriculture will attract private investment to increase productivity and growth in the industry, which will provide important raw materials for high value-added downstream food processing, especially for the export market.
“With that, the Sarawak AgroFest this year will give special emphasis on agriculture trade and provide a platform for agropreneurs to network, trade, showcase goods and products, and exchange ideas and solutions,” he added.
Dr Rundi thus pointed out that the Sarawak AgroFest 2022 will be a great platform to gather all stakeholders in the industry including farmers, fishermen, agropreneurs, industry players and the community to connect, collaborate, innovate and deliver new ideas regarding food security and the benefits of moving the industry forward.
Deputy Minister for Agriculture Modernisation Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail, Ministry’s permanent secretary Datu Edwin Abit, Agriculture Department acting director Dominic Chunggat, Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak director Dr Adrian Susin Ambud were among those present. — DayakDaily
