BANGKOK: The Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA) aims to acquire knowledge and expertise in agricultural development from Thailand.
 
Sarawak Deputy Premier and BDDA Chairman, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said Sarawak and Thailand share a similar climate.
 
"Thailand is renowned for its highly advanced food industry, from the cultivation of raw materials to the production, processing, and marketing chains.
 
"We have observed that Thailand possesses a highly sophisticated supply chain which we need to emulate.
 
"Additionally, Thailand has a global market network that helps farmers sell their products," he explained.
 
He said this before leading a BDDA delegation to visit the Ratchaburi Province known for its aromatic coconut species, mangoes, guavas, pineapples, and other tropical fruits.
 
Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah further explained that marketing is a critical issue in selling agricultural produce which directly affects the incomes of farmers.
 
"Therefore, we view this visit as providing invaluable exposure and experience to BDDA.
 
"The outcomes of this programme will assist farmers in Betong, particularly in relation to the commercialisation and marketing of their products abroad,” he added.
 
He also highlighted that the primary goal of BDDA is to find ways and methods to improve the livelihoods of the people.
 
"However, we must have proper planning, guidance, and management of the entire supply chain to ensure quantity as well as quality.
 
"We have the land, and we have a hardworking population.
 
"We also have agropreneurs ready to collaborate with investors,” he said.
 
Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah also noted that Sarawak is now recognised as a green energy hub which is another positive factor for attracting investors.
 
Meanwhile, during the visit to the Betagro Food Innovation Centre on Tuesday, he described the visit as highly beneficial.
 
"Betagro is a world-class agri-food company established 57 years ago.
 
"Its core business is the development and innovation of food products with a supply chain that begins at the farm, through to the slaughterhouses, processing, packaging, and finally, marketing.
 
"Betagro continuously innovates and develops food products to suit modern and future lifestyles.
 
"They also practise smart farming, antibiotic-free livestock breeding, and have their own world-class laboratory and biosecurity measures,” he said.
 
For the record, the company exports its products to over 20 countries worldwide and employs 34,000 people across 150 production facilities, with 35 subsidiaries.
 
Last year, the company recorded a revenue of USD3.15 billion.
 
"We are eager to collaborate with Betagro in marketing our products through their expertise, innovation, and market reach.
 
"But first and foremost, we must ensure not only quantity but also quality," Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah added.
 
Also present during the visit were Sarawak Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development who is also BDDA Deputy Chairman and Layar Assemblyman, Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu, Sarawak Deputy Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development and Saribas Assemblyman, Datuk Mohammad Razi Sitam, Member of Parliament for Betong, Dr Richard Rapu, Member of Parliament for Batang Lupar, Mohamad Shafizan Kepli, Beting Maro Assemblyman, Razaili Gapor, Kabong Assemblyman, Mohd Chee Kadir, Kalaka Assemblyman, Mohamad Duri, Krian Assemblyman, Friday Belik, and Lingga Assemblywoman, Dayang Noorazah Awang Sohor. -UKASnews