The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDNKSH) plans to introduce more Malaysian products to the Southern Thai market starting this year.
The Director of the Business Development Division at KPDN, Ahmad Rizal Khalit, stated that as a first step, the ministry has chosen to introduce various Malaysian products in Southern Thailand.
“This is the first step by the ministry to open opportunities for Malaysian entrepreneurs to explore the neighboring country’s market.
“We are starting with the closest country (Thailand). Therefore, we are very pleased to introduce and promote Malaysian products in the ASEAN market, particularly in Thailand, starting in Southern Thailand,” he said at the launch of the Mini Expo Cita Rasa Malaysia at Asean Mall, Pattani, yesterday (August 17, 2024).
Also in attendance were the Chief Executive Officer of the Pattani Provincial Administrative Organization, Set Al-Jufree; Deputy Rector of Fatoni University, Asst Prof Dr. Ahmad Umar Japakiya; and President of Unity Asia, Datuk Jamal Mohd Amin.
The Cita Rasa Malaysia program began yesterday and will end this Monday. It offers various Malaysian products to be marketed in Thailand, particularly in Southern Thailand.
According to him, the effort to introduce Malaysian products in Thailand is done in collaboration with Asean Mall and Unity Asia, an international company based in Malaysia.
“This collaboration not only shows the commitment between the two countries in terms of trade but also highlights the great potential in cultural and economic exchanges in the region.
“The launch of Cita Rasa Malaysia at Asean Mall today, in collaboration with Unity Asia, is an important initiative in introducing Malaysian products to the Thai market.
“I am informed that we are holding this program through a mini expo involving 10 Malaysian entrepreneurs showcasing 26 Malaysian-made brands.
“The main purpose of our participation in this mini expo is to introduce Malaysian products. We are striving to showcase Malaysian products and provide an opportunity for consumers in Southern Thailand to get to know and experience the quality of Malaysian products,” he added.
Ahmad Rizal said his department is also working to find new markets because KPDN has so far only focused on marketing Malaysian products in domestic supermarket chains. Starting this year, KPDN is trying to explore new markets, particularly in Pattani, which serves as the main gateway for Malaysian products.
“The market potential is indeed quite vast. So we are working to expand the market in neighboring countries… among ASEAN countries.
“Thirdly, we aim to develop business relationships by creating and strengthening business ties between Malaysian entrepreneurs and business partners in Thailand, including distributors and retailers.
“Fourthly, we are also working to enhance business networks and connections through regional cooperation. This can also help Malaysian entrepreneurs penetrate the Thai market and other neighboring countries near Thailand, such as Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.
“Finally, through promotional and marketing activities, we are using Asean Mall as a platform to promote Malaysian products, and we also have the opportunity, through the participation of entrepreneurs here today, to explain the advantages and unique features of Malaysian products to consumers in Thailand.
Ahmad Rizal mentioned that aside from enforcing measures to prevent the smuggling of controlled goods from Malaysia at the border, his department is also providing platforms and initiatives to help entrepreneurs explore broader markets.
“Through the efforts of Unity Asia and Asean Mall, there are now more than 500 shops in Southern Thailand that have collaborated in marketing Malaysian products,” he said, adding that his team will visit these shops around Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat tomorrow.
He hopes that collaborations like this will continue to grow and benefit both countries in the long term.
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