TEHRAN- Malaysian Ambassador to Tehran Khairi Omar said that Malaysia’s Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) looks forward to cooperate very closely with its counterpart in Iran.

He made the remarks at the “Tropical Treats” Event held at the place of the Embassy of Malaysia in Tehran on Tuesday.

The Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industries. FAMA's responsibility is to improve the marketing of agro food products such as vegetables, fruits and agro-based industry products.

“Tropical Treats” Event in the embassy was participated by some representatives from the key Iranian ministries and organizations, namely, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ICCIMA), and the Trade Promotion Organization (TPO), as well as the members of the media and food bloggers, in addition to some diplomats from other embassies in Tehran.

Malaysian Ambassador to Tehran Khairi Omar delivered speech in the event, and the following is the text of his speech.

It is my pleasure to see all of you today; from the diplomatic corps, esteemed members of the media, influential food bloggers, and key representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture Iran, the Chamber of Commerce, trade promotion organizations, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Your presence here is a testament to our growing ties and of course friendship, and for that, I am deeply grateful.

We are here to share a unique aspect of Malaysia; our tropical fruits. We are honored to present to you the jewel of Malaysian fruits, Durian also known as the king of fruits. Specifically, the acclaimed Musang King varieties with us are widely sought after for their unique taste and creamy texture. Talking about Durian, my ASEAN colleagues are very familiar with the fruit too, I am sure.

This event is graciously supported by the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) of Malaysia, an organization committed to promoting Malaysian agricultural products worldwide.

Malaysia is renowned for its rich agricultural products, and our fruit exports are a testament to the quality and acceptance of our produce. In 2023, Malaysia exported approximately 2.43 billion RM worth of tropical fruits, with durians being a significant contributor at 56% of the whole exports.

In 2022, Malaysia exported 1,880 metric tons of durians, valued at 57 million Malaysian Ringgit. Although this marked a decrease from previous years, our focus remains on expanding our market reach, particularly with initiatives to export fresh durians to new markets like China in the coming years.

FAMA plays a pivotal role in this endeavor. Established in 1965, FAMA is tasked with improving the marketing of agricultural products and ensuring that our fruits meet international standards. Through various programs and collaborations, FAMA supports farmers and exporters, enhancing their ability to compete globally. I'm happy to mention as well that FAMA looks forward to cooperate very closely with its counterpart in Iran.

As I mentioned earlier, Malaysia is also making significant strides in expanding its market reach. Efforts are underway to gain approval for exporting fresh whole durians to China, a market with a tremendous appetite for this exotic fruit. Currently, Malaysia can export frozen durians to China, and securing approval for fresh durians will mark a significant milestone in our trade relations. At the same time, we are also looking forward to penetrating other markets in the region including Iran.

Obviously, the increasing global demand for durians, especially premium varieties like Musang King, offers substantial economic opportunities for Malaysian farmers. This demand has spurred innovations in cultivation and export strategies, supported by government initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable and profitable trade.

Our efforts are bearing fruit, quite literally. In addition to durians, Malaysia exports a variety of tropical fruits such as pineapples, mangosteens, and rambutans, each offering a unique taste of its own. These fruits are not only enjoyed fresh but also find their way into various culinary creations, at least 2 of which you will have the pleasure of tasting today.

This brings me to the concept of "Durian Diplomacy." As many of you know, food is a powerful tool for building bridges among people and cultures all around the world. In recent years, Malaysia has leveraged its beloved durian as a means of enhancing diplomatic relations and fostering goodwill with other countries. The unique allure of the Musang King has opened doors and created new opportunities for enhanced dialogue and cooperation.

Durian diplomacy is a testament, how something as simple as a fruit can play a significant role in fostering international relations. We are proud to use our durians as ambassadors of Malaysian culture, spreading goodwill and fostering stronger ties with nations around the globe. Indeed, this is what we are doing today.

This event is also an opportunity to strengthen our agricultural trade partnerships. We are delighted to have representatives from the key Iranian ministries and organizations, namely, the Ministry of Agriculture of Iran, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Iran Chamber of Commerce, and the Trade Promotion Organization. Thank you for coming.

Your presence here underscores the strong partnership between our countries. We look forward to exploring new avenues of cooperation and mutual growth through trade opportunities in agriculture and its related fields.

To the members of the media and food bloggers, thank you for being here and for your continued support in promoting our cultural and culinary heritage. Your coverage helps us reach a wider audience and heighten greater appreciation for Malaysian products.

To colleagues and friends from the diplomatic corps, thank you for taking the time to join us tonight. Your enthusiasm and interest are vital in strengthening the bonds of friendship among all of us. I hope you leave with a deeper appreciation of the unique flavors we have shared with you.

All that said, I invite you to continue indulging in the rich and unforgettable flavors of Malaysian durian and the delightful treats prepared from durians. Taste the Musang King Durian and allow its unique flavor to transport you to the tropical landscapes of Malaysia, albeit briefly.

To end my remarks, once again, my sincere appreciation and thanks to everyone in this room particularly, the Embassy of Malaysia team for making this wonderful Tropical Treats event happen.

Photo: Malaysian Ambassador to Tehran Khairi Omar