News From : DagangHalal.com (10 Aug 2009)
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 10 (Bernama) — Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC) and the Small and Medium Industries Development Corporation (SMIDEC) have entered into a strategic collaboration with Nestle (Malaysia) Bhd to enhance the capacity and capability of small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs).
Under the collaboration, SMIDEC, via an evaluation system, would identify and recommend SMEs in the halal industry who can become competent suppliers to Nestle.
HDC Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Seri Jamil Bidin said the corporation would assist selected SMEs and Nestle in promoting Malaysia’s halal products internationally.
Speaking at a press conference after the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between HDC, SMIDEC and Nestle here on Monday, Jamil said the corporation would assist Nestle with its on-going halal food development, training and consultancy programmes for SMEs.
Nestle (Malaysia) Managing Director Sullivan O’Carroll said the company has about 150 suppliers and 40 were local companies.
“In terms of value, the local companies supplied only 10 per cent of the raw materials and ingredients to Nestle”, O’Carroll said.
Present to witness the signing ceremony were International Trade and Industry minister, Datuk Mustapa Mohamed and SMIDEC Chairman Datuk Ir. Mohamed Al Amin Abdul Majid.
Meanwhile, SMIDEC Chief Executive Officer Hafsah Hashim said several Japanese companies were keen to invest in Malaysia’s halal food and beverage industry.
“One company has begun operations in Johor while SMIDEC is now luring another five to six Japanese companies to invest in the country”, she said.
Habsah also said in order to draw greater SME partcipation, SMIDEC provided matching grants for the development and promotion of halal products.
As at June 30, 2009, SMIDEC approved 270 applications for a matching grant of RM15.88 million.
— BERNAMA