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Last Updated: Jun 25th, 2007 - 17:07:26 |
Forum hopes to see global halal standard
Zurinna Raja Adam
zurinnanstp.com.my
January 23 2007
THE move to come up with a global halal certification should involve industry players as they know the business best, World Halal Forum (WHF) chairman Khairy Jamaluddin said.
He said one of the reasons why the industry cannot grow faster, despite rising demand for halal products worldwide, is because there is no consensus on a halal standard.
Each country has its own certification body, which leads to disagreement over animal feed, slaughtering methods, packaging, logistics and other issues.
Malaysia's Department of Islamic Development (Jakim), for example, is still lobbying for its halal logo to be certified by Yemen-based OIC Fiqh Academy.
"Industry players are the ones who understand best the goings-on of the industry. WHF, this year, hopes to see a global halal standard that can be applied to all countries," Khairy said in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
He was speaking to reporters after the launch of WHF 2007 and the 4th Malaysia International Halal Showcase (Mihas 2007) which will be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on May 7-8 and May 9-13 respectively.
Also present were Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz, Malaysia External Trade Development Corp chief executive officer Datuk Noharuddin Nordin and Mihas chief executive officer Mohd Shukri Abdullah.
In her speech, Rafidah said trade in halal products and services provide greater opportunities for business linkages among companies from the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) countries.
"Such linkages can be established through trade in finished products and supply services as well as in creating an intra-OIC outsourcing potential for the companies," she said.
While the inaugural WHF last year focussed on the introduction of halal industry, this year the forum aims to get more input from Government on the direction of industry.
So far, Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has confirmed his attendance as one of the speakers at the forum.
Themed "Harmonising The Global Halal Market," WHF expects over 700 participants from 30 countries to attend this year. The newly-formed Halal Development Council is hosting the event.
The two-day forum will discuss challenges and business opportunities, such as ingredients and manufacturing for the halal market, halal science, Syariah perspective on stunning, thoracic sticking, istihala and additives and growth in halal retail, hospitality and travel sectors.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is scheduled to deliver the keynote address on the opening of WHF 2007 as well as present the Halal Journal Awards at the gala dinner.
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