News From : DagangHalal.com (07 May 2009)
The introduction of the World Halal Research Summit by HDC was timely given the importance of research and technology for the further development of the halal industry.
In his welcoming speech, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed said this year’s Mihas, now in its sixth year, recorded the highest number of foreign participants so far.
“More than 600 international buyers from 48 countries are participating in the business meeting programme in this year’s Mihas, which is now the largest halal trade fair in the world.
“These meetings have generated actual sales of RM333.36mil and potential sales of RM3.38bil,” he added.
In a press conference, Mustapa said the Government’s recent move to liberalise the ecconomy would help to smooth Malaysia’s Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks with the United States.
He added that the ministry was now updating its stand on the various issues in the FTA and getting its own position clear first.
‘We hope to resume the negotiations this year. However, this will depend on the initiative of both sides. “I’ve yet to contact my US counterpart since I assumed my portfolio recently,” he added.