KUALA LUMPUR: Negri Sembilan has teamed up with two leading Chinese firms to jointly undertake strategic agricultural ventures.

Datuk Muhammad Abdullah, the 15th Johol ruling chief (Undang Luak Johol in Negri Sembilan) announced that it is working with Yunnan Baoshan Hengyi Industry Group (YN Hengyi) and Zhangzhou Yexiang Agricultural Technology Co Ltd (ZZ Yexiang) on the ventures.

Muhammad, who is also the non-executive chairman of Bursa Malaysia-listed HB Global Ltd, said the potential ventures aim to promote sustainable agricultural development and contribute to the economic growth of Negri Sembilan. 

It is expected to transform the state's agricultural landscape by leveraging on modern farming techniques, advanced agricultural equipment and state-of-the-art technology to farming operations into the state, as well as the country.

He said by partnering with YN Hengyi and ZZ Yexiang, Negri Sembilan is poised to increase agricultural yields, create new job opportunities and enhance the state's food security and export potential.

"Negri Sembilan has a rich agricultural heritage, and we are determined to embrace innovative solutions that will enhance the livelihoods of our local farmers.

"These strategic ventures with YN Hengyi and ZZ Yexiang are part of our commitment to modernise the sector and improve efficiency while maintaining our focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility," he added.

The ventures will see YN Hengyi bringing its expertise in large-scale agricultural operations, technology transfer and financial backing.

ZZ Yexiang will contribute its advanced planting techniques, agricultural machinery, and product marketing capabilities. 

Together, they will work closely with local authorities and stakeholders to ensure the smooth implementation of these initiatives. 

Negri Sembilan aims to leverage on the partnerships to develop large-scale plantations, improve the productivity of local farms and position itself as a key exporter of agricultural products in Southeast Asia. 

Aligning with the aim, Muhammad said the importance of such partnerships in creating lasting benefits for the state.

"We believe that these ventures will not only contribute to the economic growth of Negeri Sembilan but also reinforce our state's position as a leader in agricultural innovation within Malaysia."

Representatives from YN Hengyi and ZZ Yexiang expressed their enthusiasm for working closely with the state.

Duan Zhikui, group chairman of YN Hengyi, said it is excited to bring its technological expertise and financial resources to Malaysia and Negri Sembilan particularly.

ZZ Yexiang general manager Chen Danyang said it is "more than happy to share our latest innovation and technologies with our partner in this venture".

https://www.nst.com.my/business/corporate/2024/09/1110462/negri-sembilan-chinese-firms-undertake-promote-sustainable