The CEO of the International Tropical Fruits Network (TFNet), Mr. Muhamed Salim bin Mohd Ali, recently paid a courtesy call to the office of Dato’ Sri Norazman bin Ayob, Deputy Secretary General (Policy), at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) Malaysia in Putrajaya. The visit served as a strategic engagement session aimed at strengthening collaboration between TFNet and the Government of Malaysia as the host country of the organization. Also present was Mr. Mohd Muqsidi bin Tohid, Principal Assistant Secretary (Multilateral Division), International Division, MAFS.
During the meeting, TFNet presented its vision, core activities, and proposed workplan for 2026, which includes regional programmes, technical webinars, capacity-building initiatives, and strategic partnerships to advance the sustainable development of the tropical fruit industry. Discussions also underscored TFNet’s continuing role as an international platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and cooperation among member countries and stakeholders across the tropical fruit value chain.
Among the key matters discussed were TFNet’s continued relevance and contributions to the tropical fruit sector as well as the operational and administrative matters concerning the Secretariat. TFNet also shared its ongoing efforts to strengthen member engagement, enhance strategic partnerships, and expand programmes that deliver tangible benefits to member countries and industry stakeholders.
The meeting further provided an opportunity for both parties to exchange views on emerging priorities within the tropical fruit industry, including sustainability, value addition, market access, youth engagement, and the importance of strengthening regional and international collaboration.
TFNet expressed its sincere appreciation to Dato’ Sri Norazman bin Ayob and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security Malaysia for Malaysia’s continued support and commitment towards TFNet’s mandate and activities since the organization’s establishment in 2000 under the auspices of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
