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

KUALA LUMPUR, April 22
(Bernama) — 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.