International Halal Products Expo Gears Up For Launch

Bandar Seri Begawan – Brunei’s International Halal Products Expo is
gearing up for its launching on Thursday, including taking preventive
measures against Influenza A (H1N1).

Acting Director of Agriculture Department Hjh Normah Suria Hayati
PIDSM DSU (Dr) Hj Mohd Jamil Al-Sufri said that they will take the
necessary measures as advised by the Ministry of Health, including
taking the body temperature of visitors if the need arises.

She also assured participants that hand sanitisers would be provided on site.

“Anyone who has a flu, we advise not to come to the expo, be responsible so that they won’t infect others,” she said.

Hjh Normah said that “life has to go on” and that the event will
witness a “significant launch”, but did not elaborate on the details.

Previous news reports stated that the “surprise” will highlight the
introduction of a mechanism for the implementation of the Brunei Halal
Brand.

Currently, organisers have been setting up booths at the
International Convention Centre (ICC) since last Wednesday, ahead of
their schedule.

“Because of other functions being postponed, the ICC suddenly became
readily available for us, we can move in now instead of July 27,” she
said.

Exhibitors from 23 countries will be participating in the annual
event, including companies supplying halal products, non-food products,
Syariah-compliant banking and financial services and catering.

Jointly organised by the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources,
Ministry of Religious Affairs and Ministry of Health, the expo is part
of the nation’s efforts to diversify the economy in line with the
country’s philosophy of Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB), through the
exchange of knowledge, experiences and cultures.

This would also enable the nation to enhance its understanding on
the production of halal certified food products, thus making halal food
more readily available to Muslim consumers worldwide, the organisers
said on its website.

The International Halal Products Expo also serves as a platform for
halal industry players to meet and sign deals, promoting mutual
cooperation.

It is also expected to facilitate local and international
entrepreneurs to expand their business networks, especially on the
production and trading of halal certified food products.

According to the brochure, the event is “expected to define a new
and exciting direction to highlight and enhance the stature and
significance of this expo”.

Courtesy of The Brunei Times

The International Halal Market Conference 2009 – ‘Halal – An Engine of Growth and Opportunity’ will also be held at the ICC Brunei, on the 1-2 August 2009. Speakers will be coming from Canada, United Kingdom, Malaysia, Japan, and the Philippines.