Malaysia, Ghana explore kenaf industry collaboration
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has expressed strong commitment to enhancing international cooperation in sustainable agricommodities through a new partnership with Ghana, with a focus on developing the kenaf industry.
Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said this followed the official visit of Ghana's Volta Regional Minister James Gunu to the Plantation and Commodities Ministry.
"Malaysia values this opportunity to share our experience in developing kenaf, a sustainable fibre crop introduced in 2010 as an alternative to tobacco," Johari said in a Facebook post today.
"Under the National Agricommodity Policy 2021–2030 (DAKN2030), kenaf is recognised as a high-impact commodity aligned with our circular economy and green development goals," he added.
Though still in its early stages, Johari said the kenaf industry holds strong potential across key sectors such as biocomposites, construction, pulp and paper, and automotive manufacturing.
He noted that through the National Kenaf and Tobacco Board (NKTB), the ministry is implementing comprehensive strategies to strengthen every stage of the value chain, from cultivation to market access.
"We sincerely appreciate Ghana's keen interest in Malaysia's kenaf journey, and we look forward to deeper collaboration in promoting sustainable and innovation-driven agricommodities for the benefit of both nations," he said.
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