Minister sweet talks Japan into taking more mangoes

Ismail Sabri Yaakob suggests other varieties of mangoes into the Japan market and even tries his luck with our papayas.

PUTRAJAYA: After leaving traders in Malaysia bristling with his caustic comments that they were ruthless for driving up the prices of food and goods, the Minister of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry took on a decidedly different tone as he sweet talked Japan into opening its market to more species of Malaysia’s mangoes.

According to a Bernama report, Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who is currently in Tokyo on a five-day visit, has requested that Japanese Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Yoshimasa Hayashi, consider other species of mango that Malaysia has to offer besides “Harum Manis” which already enjoys a market there.

Not sidelining other fruits in any way, he was quoted as saying in a statement, “Besides requesting for export access for various mango varieties, Malaysia is also requesting the same for papayas.”

Malaysian fruits aside, the minister was also eyeing a possible foray into Japan’s halal market, stating Malaysia’s readiness to help explore and develop the niche market before the 2020 Olympics Games is held in Japan.

In efforts to raise awareness and promote the sale of halal products in Japan in the meantime, the minister also requested that their government assist Malaysia in organising seminars and exhibitions there.

Another issue the two ministers spoke at length about was Malaysia’s desire to continue in its role in the Japan International Cooperation Agency. Ismail Sabri also asked that the quota for trainees under a programme by the Japan Agricultural Exchange Council be increased to 15 from the current seven.