Chhut Bunthoeun / Khmer Times
Turkey has agreed to help the Kingdom develop its nascent halal industry.
During an official visit to Ankara, Turkey, last week, Cambodian Minister of Commerce Pan Sorasak requested Turkey’s assistance to improve the quality of halal food in the Kingdom and spread awareness among Cambodians.
In a meeting with the Cambodian minister on Friday, Turkish Trade Minister Ruhsar Pekcan agreed to form a team to assist the Kingdom’s halal industry.
“Halal food in Cambodia is still a new thing. We need Turkey’s support and technical assistance, particularly with regards to hygiene requirements and certification,” Mr Sorasak said according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Commerce.
Both leaders also agreed to strengthen trade cooperation between their governments, and Minister Sorasak asked Turkish Airlines to consider starting a direct flight between the two countries.
Speaking during a business seminar earlier this month, Senior Minister Osman Hassan said Cambodia has great potential in the halal industry.
“There are many opportunities for investment in Cambodia’s halal industry. Cambodia has plenty of raw materials and some countries are already interested in importing halal products from Cambodia,” he said.
Ly Veasna, president of the Cambodia Islamic Business Association, told Khmer Times last week that demand for halal food in Cambodia is still relatively small but that there is plenty of room for it to grow.
“The potential is very big but unfortunately there is not much interest to invest in the sector yet.”
