Matrade Launches Food Festival In Shanghai

Ads in newspaper - PelanconganKini

SHANGHAI, Oct 15 (Bernama) -- The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) today launched the "Malaysian Food Festival" here in line with the Malaysia Kitchen Programme.

Partnering a leading hotel, the programme is aimed at further promoting Malaysian cuisine, as well as enhancing opportunities for trade in products spanning food to non-food and services.

Matrade's Trade Commissioner in Shanghai, Mansor Shah Wahid said the programme was in partnership with the Shanghai Marriott Hotel City Centre to roll-out Malaysian cuisine from Oct 14-Nov 28.

"We are associating with the leading hotel to promote Malaysian food in fine dining. The hotel is targeting about 200 people to dine-in daily with people loving the taste of Malaysian cuisine," he added.

He was speaking after the event officiated by Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nazri Abdul Aziz, Wednesday night.

Also present was the Consul General of Malaysia in Shanghai, Tan Yang Thai and Shanghai Marriott Hotel City Centre's hotel manager, Jessie Zhang.

Mansor said besides promoting Malaysian food to hotel guests, the programme also brings in retailers, to enable consumers who love Malaysian flavors to purchase end-products like spices and sauces.

He said in addition, Matrade plans to promote Malaysia's fashion industry in China, besides encouraging Malaysians to venture into the food and beverage segment.

Meanwhile, Zhang said it was the second time that the hotel was partnering Matrade in promoting Malaysian cuisine, as well as introducing it to international guests.

She said the programme in 2013 and over three weeks, had positive feedback.

"Dishes such as satay, laksa, curry oxtail soup (sup ekor) and teh tarik were among the favourites," she added.

Malaysian chef, Sariman Jamil said Malaysian cuisine has always had demand in the China market, with more people accepting its rich flavours and spices used in cooking traditional dishes.

Having been a chef in China for about three years, he explained that the Malaysian Food Festival programme would encourage more people to seek opportunities in the country's huge market.

"This is in addition to introducing the authentic flavors of Malaysia," he said.
-bernama.