By Nurul Hanis Izmir – Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR, March 24 (Bernama) — More halal-certified companies should expand their businesses overseas as currently only 700 of the 4,000 are doing it.
Halal Industry Development Corp (HDC) Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Seri Jamil Bidin, said the corporation wanted more companies to move into another level by promoting their businesses globally and at the same time help improve the country’s economy.
“Malaysia is the biggest exporter of halal products compared to other countries.
“However, more countries realise that this industry can open up opportunities for them, and we do not want to be left behind,” he told Bernama.
Jamil said worldwide exports could not cater to the demand of 1.8 billion Muslims.
“Although Malaysia alone cannot tackle this issue there are opportunities for us to tap into the market, he said.
He said HDC, as one of the organisers of the World Halal Week 2014, from April 9-12, 2014, would bring in foreign speakers to discuss this issue.
Other co-organisers are Ministy of International Trade & Industry and Malaysia External Trade Development Corp.
Jamil said food security would be a major topic, an issue that was being discussed not only in Malaysia but globally.
“Already we are seeing a shortage in the supply of food products and the prices have gone up in the last decade. It will affect many countries that are highly dependent on food imports.
He said the shortage would especially affect the members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
Jamil said there would also be a roundtable discussion on halal vaccines which would involve renowned technical experts from various countries and a Malaysian Shariah expert.
The event, themed ‘Global Food Security: Halal Perspective’, would also hold an investment opportunities session where up to 70 local companies would present their business plans to foreign companies, he said.
“There will also be a session with Islamic Development Bank,” he said.
He said this year, the organisers planned to raise the profile of the event.
“For this year, we have decided to raise profile of the annual event with new programmes,” he said.
Jamil said the corporation planned to hold another conference on halal ingredients in October.
