‘Issue on export of swiftlet nests to China to be resolved soon’

KUALA TERENGGANU: The government is close to a final resolution over the problem of the export of unprocessed swiftlet nests to China.

In this regard, the Minister of Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry, Datuk Seri Shabery Cheek has urged entrepreneurs dealing in the commodity to continue placing their faith in the government to resolve the issue.

He said efforts at negotiations had never ended, while various conditions had been imposed by China and every effort made to comply, but it could not be resolved over the short term.

He added that discussions since last year had to be held to gain China’s confidence as a result of the unethical actions by certain other exporting nations of swiftlet nests.

“The authorities are now very careful in ensuring that the quality of unprocessed swiftlet nests meets the standards set.

“I have informed entrepreneurs that we are now in the final stage of preparations to enable unprocessed swiftlet or bird’s nest to be sent directly to China and we also signed a protocol for this more than a year ago.

“The protocol enables the Chinese authorities to empower the Veterinary Department to inspect and discuss with the entrepreneurs the fulfilment of conditions set by the country,” he added.

Shabery told reporters this after meeting with more than 200 swiftlet nest entrepreneurs from various states here yesterday. “I am confident that the issue will be resolved soon. We see that the price of swiftlet nests which once fell to RM800 per kilo has now risen to between RM4,000 to RM5,000 per kilo and those who have between five and 10 kilos can reap a much bigger income,” he said.

He also encouraged more people to become become part of the industry and Bank Pertanian has been instructed to review the form of assistance that can be extended. — Bernama