World Halal Forum
MIHAS, WHF To Play Their Role In Promoting M'sia As Halal Hub
By Bernama
Jan 22, 2007, 19:36

MIHAS, WHF To Play Their Role In Promoting M'sia As Halal Hub

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 22 (Bernama) -- The 4th Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS 2007) and the World Halal Forum (WHF 2007) to be held here in May will play their role in providing the appropriate platform to showcase Malaysia's halal industry, Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz said Monday.

A major trade exposition, last year's MIHAS saw 392 companies from 17 countries participating while 216 foreign buyers representing 164 companies, took part in the business matching sessions.

Sales valued at RM168.3 million were made during the event.

"This will be the fourth time MIHAS is being held, and so far, it has attracted exhibitors from over 30 countries, including from India, Iran, Indonesia, Turkey, Egypt and Australia," she said in her speech when officiating the joint launch of the MIHAS 2007 and the WHF 2007 here today.

Both the events will be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) with the WHF 2007 from May 7- 8 and MIHAS 2007 from May 9-13.

Also present at the event today were chairman of the World Halal Forum, Khairy Jamaluddin, Matrade chief executive officer, Datuk Noharuddin Nordin, Mihas 2007 CEO, Mohd Shukri Abdullah, and Datuk Jamil Bidin, CEO of Halal Industry Development Corp Sdn Bhd.

MIHAS, Rafidah said has made its mark in the global halal industry and has successfully managed to place Malaysia as a leader in its own right.

As in previous years, the minister said the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) would be bringing into Malaysia, foreign buyers, and organising business matching sessions, to enable Malaysian companies, especially the small and medium scale enterprises to enter the global markets.

Rafidah said in order to optimise the vast potential of the global halal industry and to tap the global market for halal products and services, there was need for greater understanding of the various aspects of halal accreditation of products and services including ensuring uniformity globally.

In this context, she said the WHF 2007, would bring together individuals from the private sector to deliberate upon issues related to the halal market and the application of halal standards and accreditation.

Speaking to reporters later, WHF chairman Khairy Jamaluddin said the two day forum would discuss the challenges and business opportunities with important topics such as manufacturing, science, research, logistics, investment models, halal market growth and also the global halal standards.

"We are expecting an increase of participation this year, especially since the government leaders from other countries are expected to attend the forum to share their thoughts on the halal agenda," he said.

MIHAS 2007 is hosted by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) and organised by Matrade jointly with the Islamic Dakwah Foundation Malaysia (YADIM) in association with the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development.

Organised by KasehDia Sdn Bhd and hosted for the first time this year by the Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC), the WHF has managed to create a paradigm shift on what constitutes Halal and its application.

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