MBNF2018 a boon to Malaysian bird’s nest industry

NANNING, China: The Malaysia Bird’s Nest Festival (MBNF) 2018 currently held here is expected to bring a new lease of life to the Malaysian swiftlet edible bird’s nest industry.

Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said the event is an avenue for Malaysia to create awareness among consumers in China on the range of edible bird’s nest products from Malaysia.

“We also hope that we are able to fortify on the trust gained all these years from Chinese consumers towards our bird nest products. I wish to welcome all to participate in this three-day event, and I wish every success to everyone who are involved,” said the minister.

Ahmad Shabery, who was unable to join the event due to prior commitments in Malaysia, said this in a video speech at the opening ceremony of the MBNF2018 yesterday.

Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Vice Governor Huang Weijing and Malaysian Ambassador to China Datuk Zainuddin Yahya were present.

Eighteen Malaysian bird’s nest operators are showcasing their products at the event.

Besides the exhibition and industry forum, visitors also receive first-hand knowledge about bird’s nest, get the chance to taste bird’s nest soup, participate in lucky draws and obtain special discounts.

Edible bird’s nest, also known as “yan wo” in Chinese, is considered to be a delicacy in Chinese cuisine for more than 500 years since the Ming Dynasty era due to its high nutritional value in terms of protein and minerals.

Due to a complex harvesting process, edible bird’s nest is the most highly-priced agriculture products in Southeast Asia.

“Our farmers follow best farm practices to ensure the best and consistent quality for China’s consumers,” said Ahmad Shabery.

The minister said both countries are currently working towards finalising the standard operating procedures (SOP) on the export of raw-unclean (RUC) edible bird’s nest to China.

“A bird’s nest industrial zone has been developed in the ChinaMalaysia Qinzhou Industrial Park in preparation to receive RUC edible bird’s nest from Malaysia and the industry will improve significantly if local traders can export directly to China.

“On Malaysia side, we are working hard to enhance processing facilities, as well as to meet the protocol and SOP requirements between both countries” he added.

China banned the import of bird’s nest products from Malaysia in July 2011 before removing the restriction on processed bird’s nest in June, 2017. — Bernama