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Last Updated: Jun 25th, 2007 - 17:07:26 |
The First Meeting of the Asia-Middle East Dialogue (AMED)
Working Group on Economic Issues
3-4 July 2006, Bangkok
The Asia-Middle East Dialogue (AMED) Working Group on Economic Issues was established at the Inaugural AMED in Singapore in June 2005 to promote mutual understanding and greater interactions among AMED members.
With Thailand and Egypt as Co-chairs for the biennium 2005-2007, the Working Group held its First Meeting in Bangkok on 3-4 July 2006, where 197 delegates from 37 countries gathered to discuss possible measures that would enhance cooperation in concrete terms.
In his opening remarks, H.E. Dr. Pracha Guna-Kasem Chief Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, emphasized the opportune timing of the AMED initiative in providing a forum for Asia and the Middle East to strengthen their ties and forge cooperation that would allow the two regions to take advantage of their resurgence in the global economy.
These views were also reiterated in the opening remarks by H.E. Mr. Tamer Abdel-Aziz Abdallah Khalil, the Ambassador of Egypt to Thailand. He also emphasised the need to put lessons learned and creative initiatives into practice by adopting a concrete work plan that would yield tangible results.
The co-chairs statement pertaining to Halal read:
“The establishment of Sub-Working Group(s) to promote trade and investment facilitation on specific sectors of high potential, such as halal food, financial services and joint industrial ventures. In this effort, the private sector will work hand in hand with the government sector.
"Other issues to be addressed included a Halal food certification programme with a view towards establishing a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA), and financing facilities for trade and investment promotion.”
In the session Nordin Abdullah, highlighted the economic facts that both regions are not major beneficiaries of the growth in the global Halal market.
Dr. Winai Dahlan, the need for collaboration especially in the area of science to bridge the gap between, Industry and the Ulama and the development of a global Halal standard.
Thailand – UPDATE
Key points
• Halal Industrial Capacity Building program
• 100 main food factories with 100,000 food workers included in the project.
• We are the 14th largest exporter of food products in the world
• Looking for avenues for collaboration
Target Market
Halal food market in the U.S. and Europe, although considered as non-Muslim countries, are respective 20 and 15 folds higher than those in average Muslim countries. It is much larger than many have expected. - Dr. Winai Dahlan
Approach to market
“Manufacturing process to go along with expanding market will be more developed to better quality and standards.”
World Halal Forum Industry Dialogue – Thailand
As an Adjunct to the Asian Middle East Dialog (AMED) the World Halal Forum held a discussion with key individuals in the area of Halal Science and Islamic Banking in Thailand.
In general the fact that Halal is more and more on the agenda of International meetings is proof that the Halal industry sector coming of age. The Halal industry should also put lessons learned and creative initiatives into practice by adopting a concrete work plan that would yield tangible results.
Halal Science
Key areas discussed were the need for the development of “Halal Science” or the fact that modern scientific methods need to be used for the development and the promotion of Halal practices.
Dr. Winai Dahlan, stressed the need for collaboration especially in the area of science to bridge the gap between, Industry and the Ulama and the development of a global Halal standard.
The need for the formation of a Halal Science and Research Network.
Islamic Banking in Thailand
Challenges faced by Islamic Bank of Thailand in the regulatory frame work and the need to develop the sector in Thailand. Also, discussed was for the need for the Muslims of Thailand to use the bank. The bank is also to be used as a catalyst for Muslims to develop the Halal industry in the South and for Muslims to be more integrated into the economy.
Key people in Discussion
• Nordin Abdullah, Director, World Halal Forum
• Assoc.Prof. Dr.Winai Dahlan, Head of the Halal Science Center, Chulalongkorn University Thailand)
• Assoc.Prof. Jongjit Angkatavanich, Halal Science Center, Chulalongkorn University Thailand)
• Amirut, Head of the Islamic chamber of Commerce Thailand
• Shahlan Hairalah, Head Halal Certification Strategic Unit, Majlis Ugama Islam Singapore (MUIS)
• Issa Gammoh, Assistant CEO, Jordan Investment Board
• Dheerasak Suwannayos, Chairman, Executive Board of Directors and Acting President of Islamic Bank of Thailand
• Suwan Damnerthong, Managing Director Shariah Banking Services, Krung Thai Bank.
Extract from Dr Winai Speech
To uplift the food production standards in Thailand is well taken care of by the Halal Science Center. Its mission is to setup the food quality system called Halal-GMP/HACCP within food manufacturing plants.
This is to merge Halal requirements by Islamic Law and international food quality standards and make it a comprehensive and practical to the food industries. Now there are almost 100 main food factories with 100,000 food workers included in the project.
Regarding Halal kitchen, the Halal Science Center has developed “Non-pork Buffered Halal Kitchen”. The system is first established at Thai Airways or TG kitchen in Thailand’s new International Suwannaphum airport.
It is also incorporated in Halal kitchens of restaurants, hotels, and hospitals to serve Muslim consumers especially those from Middle East with interests in services of medicine and tourism in Thailand.
Thai government emphasized on science and technology to promote Halal products manufacturing and trade. This is not just to comply with Halal certification but to promote food industry as well.
The Halal Science Center is organizing the first International Halal Science Symposium this September. This is not only to demonstrate the readiness in terms of technical part of Halal science but also to protect Muslim consumers to get good quality and actually Halal products so that these consumers could preserve their dignity and faith.
Resolution
The formation of the Halal Science and Research Network under the World Halal Forum and to be co chaired by Malaysia and Thailand with Dr. Winai to take a leading role. To work towards signing and MOU in September 2006 at the First Halal Science Symposium in Bangkok.
Update to Resolution
MOU Signed between IHI Alliance and Chulalongkorn University Thailand for the formation of the Halal Science and Research Network to be co–chaired by Malaysia and Thailand. It was signed at the 1st International Halal Science Symposium n Bangkok early September.
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