PM To Announce Incentives For Halal Industry

Bernama -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is expected to announce incentives for the development of halal parks and halal producers during the World Halal Forum 2008 Monday.

Halal Development Corporation (HDC) chief executive officer Datuk Jamil Bidin said the halal industry has a long way to go and the incentives are expected to make Malaysia as major source of Halal products and services.

"Tomorrow we will all listen what Malaysia has to offer in order to accelerate the industry to a higher level," he said at the World Halal Forum (WHF) 2008 welcome dinner here Sunday.

Currently there are four halal parks, which are ready for investors in terms of groundwork, with facilities located at Pulau Indah in Selangor, Gambang in Pahang, Padang Besar in Perlis and Tanjung Manis in Sarawak.

Jamil said the current global Halal market is estimated at US$2.3 trillion covering the industry from all products and services related to food and beverages, cosmetics, toiletries, pharmaceuticals, medicines, biotechnology, travel and tourism, banking and finance, insurance, storage, shipping, packaging, publishing, branding, marketing, clothing and fashion.

"We are here to provide support to businesses, both within our borders and globally, which want to participate in the opportunities of the Halal market," he said.

"HDC aims to fully develop the industry through three strategic thrusts, namely, Halal integrity, industry development and branding and promotions," he said adding that many initiatives have been carried out based on these key areas to reach greater height locally and internationally.

Among the initiatives are the HDC Halal Training Programme, SME nurturing, Malaysian Halal Champions, Halal Trade Networks, The International Halal R&D Conference, Halal Park Development and WHF Industry dialogues.

On another development Jamil said HDC would undertake all matters regarding Halal certification and issuance of the Malaysia Halal in standardising and promoting the worldwide-recognised Halal Certificate, for both local and international corporations.

"Backed with the existence of supporting infrastructure, processing technology, expertise and human resources, Malaysia has proven to have enormous potential for growth and development in this area," he said.

WHF 2008, to be held on May 12-13, is expected to attract about 1,200 delegates comprising head of states and trade ministers, market players and related personnel.