Council promoting trade ties between Malaysia, Madagascar
KOTA KINABALU: The Madagascar Malaysia Business Council (MMBC) is looking at promoting exchange and business opportunities between Malaysia and Madagascar.
MMBC chairman Willy Andriambelo said the private mission of the council was to promote economic exchange between both countries.
“I, myself have been appointed by the new President of Madagascar to establish diplomatic relationships between the two countries,” he said to the media during a talk on tourism in his country here yesterday.
Andriambelo is leading a delegation of seven members for a visit to Sabah till March 30.
He said Madagascar was historically linked to Sabah as historians had proven that the ancestors from his country came from Borneo.
He added that the council was also endorsed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Madagascar to talk about establishing twin city relations between Kota Kinabalu and Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar.
To a question, Andriambelo said Madagascar exported highgrade vanilla.
“Our country provides more than 70 per cent of vanilla worldwide.
“We also export chocolate and cheese to Europe and the United States.”
Meanwhile, publisher Datuk CL Chan, in sharing his travel experience to Madagascar, has expressed interest in publishing books about the flora and fauna in the country.
“More than 80 per cent of the flora and fauna in Madagascar are endemic to the country.”
However, he said the country lacked books or proper documentation of its unique flora and fauna.
He added that Madagascar was famous for its semi-precious stones, Avenue of the Baobabs and National Park.
Chan said the country also boasted world-class craftsmanship in producing baskets made from palm and natural products that came at affordable price, something Sabah could learn from.
“Although the tourism sector in Sabah is more well developed, Madagascar is not far off.
“It is worthwhile to visit Madagascar for the more adventurous, inquisitive travellers who are interested in the natural environment and biodiversity in the country. “It is a trip of a lifetime.” Also present at the talk were Malaysia Entrepreneurs’ Development Association (PUMM) Sabah president Dato’ George Lim and MMBC vice chairman Johary Christian Rasoarahona.