IHPExpo Gets Thumbs Up

Bandar Seri Begawan – The 4th Brunei International Halal Products
Expo 2009 (IHPExpo) saw its final day yesterday and received positive
feedback from members of the public, some of whom also offered
suggestions on subtle changes to enhance the local halal products
industry.

The prestigious four-day event featured 135 companies, of which 88
were local, while the rest hailed from Singapore, The Philippines,
Syria, China, Japan and Yemen.

“I learnt about the expo through the media and took the opportunity
to drive up all the way from Kuala Belait to see for myself all the
halal products on offer,” said Fatimah Hj Abdullah, a government
official.

“This is a way for us Bruneians to show our full support for our
local halal products. This is my first experience visiting the halal
expo, and I must say, I’m quite impressed with the variety of products
displayed here,” she added.

Speaking to the Bulletin, Shahran Hj Abd Rahman and his wife,
Hartini Hassim, suggested that organisers of the expo hold such event
biannually.

“By doing so, we can further raise consumer awareness and create
interest in halal products, particularly those manufactured locally,”
Sahran said.

“Furthermore, this will attract youths to start-up their own
business of manufacturing halal products regardless of whether it is
food, cosmetics or even health care products,” said Hartini.

“The relevant authorities should allocate a suitable venue to allow
for the showcasing/promoting of halal products (local or imported), so
consumers need not wait for such expo to be organised,” she added.

Meanwhile, a woman, who chose to remain anonymous, said such
exhibitions build customers’ confidence in purchasing locally
manufactured products.

“Throughout the years I’ve seen an increase in local products. This
is a great improvement for SME in Brunei, especially by introducing the
Brunei Halal Brand.

“As a consumer, I sometimes feel doubtful when purchasing imported
products, but with the Brunei Halal Brand, I feel more confident
purchasing these products as it is made in Brunei,” she said.

According to the organisers, the next IHPExpo is scheduled for Iune
2010, by which time the Brunei government aims to have up to 100
products under the Brunei Halal Brand. — Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin