The International Tropical Fruits Network (TFNet) led a study visit to the Philippines from 26 to 30 April 2026, bringing together the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (MPIB) and Malaysian industry players with the aim to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange between both countries’ pineapple sectors.
The MPIB delegation was led by Chairman Mr. Sheikh Umar Bagharib and was supported by Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino and Consul General Mr. Deddy Faisal Ahmad Salleh with Mr. Muhamed Salim Mohd Ali leading TFNet. Also present was Mr. Mohd Amsyari Yahya, Assistant Trade Attaché from MATRADE Manila.
On April 29, the delegation visited Asia Textile Mills Inc. (Asiatex) located in Calamba, Philippines.
They were received by Mr. Matthew Lazaro, Director and Vice President of Asiatex, who provided an overview of the company’s operations and capabilities.
Established in 1984, the company manufactures fabrics for global brands such as Banana Republic, Armani Exchange, and GAP, operating on a 14-hectare production site.
Asiatex produces uniforms for the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces, as well as a range of technical fabrics with specialised properties including water-repellent, anti-static, antibacterial, moisture-control, and fire-retardant features.
The company also produces modern barong and abaca-based jeans, and designs its own fibre processing machinery. Its integrated production process covers fibre processing, yarn spinning, weaving, dyeing, and finishing. Facilities include a weaving mill, a computerised colour laboratory, high-capacity dyeing machines, advanced finishing systems, and a dedicated quality inspection unit.
Production capacity includes fibre processing (4 tons/month), spinning (3 tons/month), weaving (500,000 metres/month), and dyeing and finishing (up to 1 million metres/month).
Both sides exchanged views and explored potential collaboration in the textile sector. The delegation was also given a guided tour of the facilities and was introduced to various fibres and their applications.
Other sites that the delegation visited were Dole PhilippinesGS Fruits and SunFarms. The study visit wouldn’t have been possible without the support and facilitation of the Bureau of Plant Industry and the Plant Quarantine Office in General Santos.
