The International Trade Association of Malaysia (SMITA) expressed interest in using its country's technology to develop products in the Peruvian jungle in order to make them more competitive and so enter the global market, said Sierra and Selva Exportadora, an agency attached to the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation (Minagri).
The president of SMITA, Megane Soo, said after a meeting with the CEO of Sierra and Selva Exportadora, Alfonso Velasquez Tuesta, that they would explore the potential that the Amazon products offered in Malaysia, before establishing a joint venture .
"We see that Peru has potential in organic and nutritional value products produced in the forest; we can support and help improve the production of these products with our engineering and technology. The ripening time of the fruit can be reduced or the production could become more efficient and so lower the cost," he said.
It should be mentioned that this work will be done within the framework of the promulgated Act Sierra y Selva Exportadora, which expands the work of this entity to the jungle areas in order to generate competitiveness, added value, innovation, and territorial development in these areas.
Megan Soo also said they were interested in quinoa and chia, as they were products that were well received in her country because of their nutraceutical components.
She said her association promoted SMEs to go global, by organising meetings and trade missions, as well as international trade and educational seminars. In addition, they also provide training and support services to small and medium sized entrepreneurs.
Data
During 2015 Peruvian exports to Malaysia totalled 28.90 million dollars, i.e. 32.44% more than the 21.82 million dollars shipped in 2014, according to figures from the National Society of Industries (SNI).