KUALA LUMPUR, July 29 (NNN-BERNAMA) — Morocco is looking forward to market its citrus fruits in Malaysia as part of its effort to diversify its export to this country.
Moroccan Ambassador to Malaysia, Mohamed Reda Benkhaldoun, said the activity will make for better ties and economic relations with Malaysia.
Several visits by Morocco’s National Office for Health Security of Food Products (ONSSA) to Malaysia have been arranged to seek collaborations in exporting Moroccan citrus fruits, he added.
“Malaysia welcomes this effort positively. Right now, researches are being done on our part regarding the paper works and laws concerning this issue that will pave ways for us to open the market here,” he told Bernama International News Services in an interview recently, held in conjunction with the 20th anniversary of the coronation of King Mohammed VI of Morocco.
Observed on July 30, the national occasion commemorates the ascension of King Mohammed VI to the throne, succeeding his late father, Hassan II, on July 23, 1999.
Elaborating, Mohamed Reda said Morocco is one of the world’s biggest producers of citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons and clementines, which are mainly exported to Europe and North America.
“In fact, Moroccan orange is one of the best in the world, and some types of (Moroccan) clementine cannot be found elsewhere except Morocco,” he said.
According to Mohamed Reda, trade exchange between Malaysia and Morocco stood at around US$1 million in 2018.
He also noted that Morocco’s imports from Malaysia include palm oil, electronic devices and components, and rubber, while Morocco’s exports to Malaysia include phosphate products, textile, and fish-based products.
Meanwhile, he said Malaysia is considered as the centre of the ASEAN region by Morocco because of its many special features.
“We want a balanced relationship with all ASEAN countries, but we still consider Malaysia as the centre of the region. Malaysia has great significance by virtue of its position, history, population, and its strong economy.
“Plus, Malaysia is very much similar to Morocco. It is an Islamic country, but it also practices religious tolerance and promotes cultural diversity,” he added.
— NNN-BERNAMA
