September 28, 2005
Cracking at the Asian livestock industry
This event's coverage
An eFeedLink Exclusive
The third Livestock Asia 2005 Expo and Forum started with the crack of an egg, literally, on Sep 27.
Held at Kuala Lumpur's Mines International Exhibition and Convention Centre from Sep 27-29, the Asian-focussed international feed and livestock industry show has witnessed 12.5 percent more participants from two years ago, to 280 exhibitors from 43 countries such as Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, Pakistan, UK and France.
eFeedLink once again made its appearance as the supporting publication and electronic media at the industry show after a successful exhibition in 2003.
The opening ceremony sees guest-of-honour Tan Sri Datuk Haji Muhyiddin Bin Haji Mohd Yassin, Malaysia's Minister of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry, breaking an ice egg sculpture to reveal the show's logo.
Tan Sri Datuk Haji Muhyiddin Bin Haji Mohd Yassin The winners of this year's Malaysian Livestock Industry
breaks an ice egg sculpture to launch Livestock Asia Awards
In his speech at the opening ceremony, Haji Muhyiddin stressed the importance for farmers and processors to ensure that livestock production is conducted "in an environmentally friendly manner".
"This will ensure the long-term sustainability of this industry and therefore, your livelihood," he said.
He hence urged the industry to take this chance "look at the equipment and technology available at this expo that could improve productivity, efficiency and management."
"This is not a luxury but an important step if this sector is to remain relevant in an increasingly competitive market," he emphasised.
Haji Muhyiddin also revealed that the Malaysian government has realised the need to diversify its economic base from sectors such as manufacturing and services, and has identified agriculture and agro-based industries as one of the engine of growth for the country.
In fact, the local industry is now looking to reach new export markets such as the Middle East countries, "where demand is much on the increase," he said.
It was also during the opening ceremony that the third Malaysian Livestock Industry Awards were presented to 13 winners like Leong Hup Holding Berhad for Industry Achievement Award (Organisation), DBE Poultry for Outstanding Feedmiller Award, and Dindings Poultry Processing for Outstanding Meat Processor Award.
The biennial awards are conferred on organisations and individuals for their management and livestock industry practices.
The focus of Livestock Asia 2005 will be on regional cooperation in managing bird flu, and on environmental, health, food and safety issues in livestock production and processing.
Livestock Asia also witnessed its first cooperation with Malaysia's Embassy of France Economic Department, with the latter spending about EUR15,000 introducing 10 French livestock companies to the local industry through a separate one-day technical seminar called French Bred.
All rights reserved. No part of the report may be reproduced without permission from eFeedLink.
