Kuala Lumpur –
The World Halal Forum Europe happening next month is expected to shed light on
the burgeoning USD67 billion European Halal market to keen industry players
from 35 countries.
To be held for the first time outside
Malaysia, the World Halal Forum Europe will provide a regional focus to the
issues of Halal trade, consumer demands and the socio-political scenario of the
Muslims of Europe.
“The current European Muslim
population of 41.2 million is expected to double in 20 years making this market
extremely attractive to businesses,” World Halal Forum founder and KasehDia
managing director Jumaatun Azmi said in a statement today.
“The Halal market demand in Europe is
growing, the producers are scrambling to create and prove Halal integrity and
there is gross misconceptions of Halal amongst the various parties. The World Halal
Forum Europe intend to tackle these issues head on,” Jumaatun said.
The World Halal Forum is an industry
driven inititative supported by the government of Malaysia and recognised by
the OIC, launched in 2006 to promote the concept of Halal for the benefit of
the global Muslim market. The inaugural World Halal Forum Europe wil be held on
November 17 and 18, 2009 in the Hague, Netherlands.
“After four years of a successful
global approach to the Halal industry, we’ve decided to take on a more in-depth
and focused approach by targeting the regions. It is much needed,” she said.
“The European Halal market has vast
potential, but it is also fragmented within the various ethnicities and
countries. WHF Europe will be the platform to understand the real
characteristics and opportunities of the market from the perspectives of
business, consumer, Muslim groups as well as policy makers. Since we’ll be in
Europe we’re also expecting parties with opposing views to Halal, from animal
rights advocates, religious slaughter opponents and other groups that have
strong presence in Europe,” she said.
“The gathering of high-level participants including Islamic scholars,
industry experts, regulatory bodies, secular groups, scientists, academia and
certification bodies is expected to bring fresh insight on the implications of Halal
integrity, business and trade as well as essentially shape the next decade of
this unique and ever-growing industry.”
The World Halal Forum is organised by KasehDia, a communication and
research company, a world leader in Halal market data and platforms.
ENDS.
For more information on the World Halal Forum, log on to www.worldHalalforum.org, email: info@worldHalalforum.org or call
the WHF Secretariat, KasehDia Sdn Bhd at +603 6203 1025.