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Last Updated: Sep 25th, 2006 - 11:36:04 |
WHF Wants Specific Fund To Boost Global Halal Industry
KUALA LUMPUR, May 10 (Bernama) -- The World Halal Forum (WHF) has formally requested the International Development Bank (IDB) to set up a specific fund to help develop the halal industry in Organisation of Islamic Conference member nations and in non-Muslim countries with Muslim minorities.
Its chairman, Khairy Jamaluddin, said the request for the fund, which was one of the resolutions from WHF, was an important move to help these countries get financial assistance to set up the halal infrastructures and facilities.
"It is very difficult to say how much we (WHF) need because different countries require different things. Like Malaysia, we still have long we to go in becoming a global halal hub. We may need the fund for technical assistance, capacity-building of halal producers or halal certification bodies," he said.
"So, the fund can be used in many different ways ... a less developed country with minimum infrastructure may want the fund to create a halal manufacturing plant," he said in closing remarks on the WHF's resolutions.
Khairy said the WHF would table the request tomorrow and expected the IRB to endorse the proposal by year-end.
Meanwhile, IDB regional director, Ahmed Hariri, said the bank supported and welcomed the resolutions by WHF.
"We (IDB's management board) welcome these resolutions. Endorsing them would further help the bank promote the halal industry among its member countries.
"Actually, there are many ways IDB can help. We can either create the special fund or offer help via our line-up of financial services," he said.
Ahmed Hariri said IDB was willing to allocate at least between US$200 million to US$300 million to set up the fund.
Another WHF resolution calls for the formation of International Halal Industry Association.
"This body can be the voice of the global halal industry and interact with governments, halal legislators and certifying agencies.
"It can also assist halal industry players from the various sectors to interact with each other," he said.
Khairy also said WHF in Malaysia has offered to be the association's secretariat.
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