News From : DagangHalal.com (30 Jul 2009)
Bandar Seri Begawan – Preparations are set for exhibitors of the fourth International Halal Product Expo (IHPE) , where local businesses are expected to unveil new halal products during the expo’s opening today.
A total of 215 booths have been set up at the International Convention Centre (ICC), with 135 companies showcasing halal food and other related products. This included a total of 88 local enterprises who are participating in the expo.
Non-food products and services such as Islamic investment, banking, takajlii (1)slamic insurance), food packaging and machinery and catering equipment will also be featured by government agencies and associations at the expo.
As part of the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources’ initiative to develop local small and medium enterprises (SMEs), an 80 per cent subsidy rental fee has been given to exhibitors who wish to participate in the four-day expo, according to one of the vendors.
Hj Moshedi Hj Ludic, owner of Alai Nadhirah Ha’afizhah Enterprise, expressed his gratitude to the authorities for providing the incentive.
“We are given a subsidised rental fee of $300 instead of $1,200 on rental fee. This helps to lessen the burden of cost for us and other local companies,” said Hj Moshedi.
He added that events such as the expo will provide exposure for local companies on their latest products. Hj Moshedi will be taking the opportunity to introduce new food products in his line of traditional food, especially his company’s kuih moor to visitors during the expo.
Anna Mariana, a representative from local food production company Seri Perkatan, said that the company will launch two new products during the expo. “The Rosella tea and Rosella jam will be the latest food products by the company that will be introduced during the expo,” she said.
Syahmee Aziz of Natika Batek from Malaysia hopes to receive good business in Brunei with the introduction of a new product design from abroad.
“The digital batik will be one of the latest additions to the product line. We want to promote the new abstract designs as the original batik designs were limited due to the technology,” said Syahmee.
The Malaysian entrepreneur also hopes the new product will receive good public response as this will be his second time participating in the expo.
Meanwhile, the International Halal Market Conference will be held from August 1-
2 and carry the theme “Halal: An Engine of Growth and Opportunity”. The theme also touches on Brunei’s initiative to diversify its economy through the role of the halal industry and building human capacity in a knowledge-based economy.
A “world-class” line-up of speakers is expected to update participants of the conference on the latest developments in the halal industry. The conference will also highlight Brunei’s progress to become an international halal hub.
— Courtesy of Brunei Times