MALAYSIA VIETNAM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (MVCC)’s Post

In 2024, Malaysia exported USD 35.5 million worth of durians between January and September—a significant figure, yet dwarfed by Vietnam’s staggering USD 2.66 billion. While Vietnam capitalized on its industrialized approach and strong partnerships with China, Malaysia’s durian industry remained fragmented, heavily reliant on the premium Musang King. Despite its international appeal, small-scale farmers struggled to scale operations and tap into the global market. Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu reported by Malaysiakini https://lnkd.in/giav9BgA lamented this disparity in the Dewan Rakyat, pointing out that the bumiputera community had yet to fully benefit from the durian export boom. Emphasizing that his perspective was not racial, he called for structural reforms, including better financing, training, and partnerships to empower local farmers. “Durian is not just a fruit—it’s a symbol of prosperity, heritage, and potential,” he said, urging for greater inclusivity in the industry. As Malaysia grapples with its position in the global durian trade, the contrast with Vietnam underscores the need for urgent change. While some suggest collaboration between the two nations to solidify Southeast Asia as the durian capital of the world, others see this as a wake-up call for Malaysia to modernize its approach and ensure that its own farmers reap the benefits of this golden crop. Phu Cuong Le

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