Malaysia is currently a net importer of food products with total imports amounting to RM7.3 billion for the January 2007 period. During the period the exports of food products (which included cocoa and cocoa preparations and fresh; chilled and frozen crustacean); increased to RM4.1 billion. Fuelled by stronger economic growth and needs of a growing population, Malaysia food demand and supply continue to chart greater heights with the continued strength of Malaysia economy.
It comes no surprise that Malaysia food market does not stop here. The country is well poised as a competitive springboard as it ranks the 2 nd largest contributor to intra-Asean trade. Malaysia aims to become a food exporter country by 2010. The halal food sub-sector is fast becoming one of the contributors for sources of growth within the food industry. The food processing sector was currently contributing about (10) percent of Malaysia manufacturing output. The 9 th Malaysia plan, main projects include the creation of 287 permanent food production parks comprising a land area of almost 2400 hectares, an agropolis at Serdang and National food terminals (Teman) at Ipoh and Kota Kinabalu, the plan will drive the sector¡¯s growth in making Malaysia an international hub for halal products and services
Visitors in this fall, particularly those in food industry, will be exposed to a wide range of equipment and technology make in Malaysia and overseas. It will given the opportunity to learn new technology, choose the equipment that suits everyone requirement and budget. The Malaysia government will continue to support the development of the industry as machinery and processing equipment has been identified as one of the growth areas under the third industrial master plan (mp3) for 2005-2020.
Pack Asia/ Foodex 2008 is definitely timely, under the 9 th Malaysia Plan (2006-2010), aims to become a net exporter of food by 2010. Malaysia has a growing and impressive food processing industry which produces for the domestic and export market. This sector industry growing at an average annual rate 8.1% since 1991. Making it one of the fastest growing sectors in the resource based manufacturing industries. The government has placed great emphasis at its food processing and is providing incentives to food processors and manufacturers in this form of import duty exemptions for raw ingredients and tax incentives to encourage in investment in infrastructure development.
