Malaysia’s Halal industry draws RM1.1bil FDIs in first half

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s halal industry has attracted RM1.1bil in foreign direct investments (FDIs) between January and June and has exported halal products and services worth RM16.6bil in the same period.

International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamedsaid the Halal Industry Development Corp along with other agencies such as the Malaysia External Trade Development Corp and Malaysia Investment Development Authority have worked hard to expand the industry’s contribution through various programmes and activities.

According to the Halal Industry Development Corp, halal products export between January and December last year totalled RM35.4bil, up 53% from 2010, of the overall exports amounting to RM513.6bil, he said when opening the Halal Fiesta Malaysia (Halfest 2012) Expo yesterday.

Mustapa said halal products exports contributed 5.1% of the overall exports last year.

The minister said main sector product exports, including halal ingredients, contributed RM12.3bil, food and beverages RM11.9bil and oils and fats derivatives RM7bil.

Halfest 2012 is hosting over 700 booths with the participation of more than 600 companies nationwide, displaying halal products and services between yesterday and Sunday.

The expo is expected to attract over 70,000 visitors during the five-day event at the Putra World Trade Centre. – Bernama