Croatia To Increase Production Of Halal Products

Bernama) -- Croatia wants to increase the number of its companies producing halal products to 50 from 20 currently to cater to increasing demand for halal products in the country.

Currently, Croatia's halal industry caters to 80,000 Muslims, or 1.8 percent, of the total population.

Head of overseas desk, Croatian Chamber of Economy, Miroslav Karamarkovic, said the chamber wanted more companies to get the certification to undertake halal production.

"At the moment, 15 companies are in the process of getting the certification, which is expected in a month or two. We expect the number to increase within a few years," he told Bernama here Wednesday.

Croatia is participating for the first time in the Malaysia International Halal Showcase 2008, which will be held from today to May 11.

"We are looking into the possibility of Croatian companies selling the products not only in Malaysia but also Asian countries. We are coming here because Malaysia is a leader in halal industry in the region," Karamarkovic said.

Meanwhile, Malaysia External Development Corp's deputy director of the publications section, exporters development division, Abu Bakar Yusof, said there were opportunities for Malaysia to enhance the bilateral trade with Croatia.

"The current bilateral trade between Malaysia and Croatia is still small but (we believe) there are niche markets for our products in Croatia, including food and pharmaceuticals," Abu Bakar said.

He said in view of the current US economic slowdown, local halal industry players had to identify and explore emerging markets for their products and services.

"I will like to encourage them now because we are diversifying our export markets. I believe the current trade volume between Malaysia and Croatia can be increased.

"Bilateral trade between Malaysia and Croatia is about US$70 million (US$1=RM3.16) now but in three years we hope it will surpass or exceed US$100 million," he said.