France's Glon invests US$60 million on new poultry farm

Glon Groupe, the French integrated agriculture producer, is investing US$60 million for a new poultry farming plant in Malaysia's East Coast Economic Region (ECER).

The first phase of the 80 hectares plant in Kuantan is expected to commence by year-end, says the local reports.

"We France are already present in the oil and gas, information technology, aeronautics as well as transportation sectors in Malaysia. We are now keen to diversify into other areas," says French Foreign Trade Minister Anne-Marie Idrac, adding that 250 French companies have invested some €6 billion (US$7.20) in assets in Malaysia to date. "We are keen to work together with Malaysia in producing halal products for a third country," she said.

Halal Industry Development Board Corp CEO Datuk Seri Jamil Bidin said local partners would be needed in areas like animal feed, processing, slaughterhouse and also with a cooperative (to handle the farmers).