  
News From : DagangHalal.com (25 Aug 2010)
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 23 (Bernama) — Halal Foundation, which aims to support development of the Global Halal ecosystem, on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with AsureQuality Ltd of New Zealand to develop halal food safety and biosecurity services.
The MoU will also serve as a catalyst for further development of halal research and development (R&D) in food safety and biosecurity, said International Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir.
Malaysia has always recognised the importance of the halal industry and has invested heavily in “ensuring our capabilities to tap into the international halal market,” he said after witnessing the signing ceremony.
Mukhriz said the Malaysian government has identified the industry as an important pillar of the national economy.
“The R&D findings will undoubtedly be an invaluable intellectual property asset that could prove beneficial to this industry,” he said.
Halal Foundation, an international non-profit non-governmental organisation, will also extend its reach to service Muslim communities worldwide through the establishment of international offices with partners in the Middle East, America, Turkey, Russia, China, Europe and Asean member states.
Meanwhile, AssureQuality is a commercial company 100 per cent owned by the New Zealand government and has been working with Australasia’s food and agricultural industries and services in more than 40 countries.
Its business consists of operations, laboratories and diagnostics.
— BERNAMA