MIHAS 2008 Best Platform To Learn, Adopt Malaysia's Halal Certification System

KUALA LUMPUR -- The Malaysia International Halal Showcase 2008 (MIHAS 2008) next month will be the best platform for other Muslim or foreign countries to learn or adopt Malaysia's halal certification system, says the organiser.

MIHAS chief executive officer, Mohd Shukri Abdullah, said Malaysia's halal certification has been recognised internationally and its acceptance would make it easier for Malaysian firms to establish business ties with countries around the world.

"This year's MIHAS will be the best platform to educate other Muslim or foreign countries to learn about the importance of this certification, especially in promoting and marketing their halal products," he told a media briefing here Tuesday.

Shukri said currently, many countries did not have halal certification while Malaysia's was done by a government body.

"Only recently, Pakistan and Turkey have come out with their halal certification while others have their own internal certification (which is not recognised internationally).

"It is my hope that some of the participants, particularly the overseas players can learn and bring back this halal certification to their own respective countries," he said.

Malaysia's halal certification has become the country's strength in promoting and marketing halal products as the certification was recognised internationally.

It has also been adopted by the United Nations.

Meanwhile, Malaysia External Trade Development Corp's deputy chief executive officer, Kamaruddin Hassan, said 610 booths at the showcase had been taken up.

"Over 100 international exhibitors from 23 countries have confirmed their participation. The total number of exhibitors this year is 444 and all the booths have been taken up," he said at a briefing to update the media on MIHAS 2008.

Kamaruddin said several interesting highlights would be staged to benefit participants who were expected to establish potential business relations.

"MIHAS will bring in speakers from a number of countries to provide more insight for participants and visitors of the opportunities that exist in the halal market.

"These trade briefings will feature speakers from Pakistan, Europe, India, Slovenia, Sudan, Turkey, France, Iran and Kazakhstan.

"The briefings will provide participants with useful business and networking tips for developing ventures in the halal industry," he said.

MIHAS 2008 will be held from May 7 to 11 at the Matrade Exhibition and Convention Centre.

Five key sectors will be featured at MIHAS 2008 which include food and beverages, pharmaceutical and herbal products, cosmetics and healthcare, banking and finance, and food processing and packaging machinery.