News From : DagangHalal.com (24 Jun 2010)
KUALA LUMPUR, June 24 (Bernama) — International Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Datuk Mukhriz Tun Mahathir, launched today, the Malaysia Exporters of Halal Products and Services Directory 2010-2011.
It is Malaysia’s inaugural trade directory for the Malaysian halal products and services sector.
The launch of the directory was organised by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade), in conjunction with the 7th Malaysia International Halal Showcase (Mihas 2010).
“The directory is a valuable source of information for international buyers, interested in acquiring Malaysian halal products and services, certified by recognised and competent authorities.
“It thus further promotes halal Malaysia globally,” Mukhriz told reporters after the launching of the directory here.
He said the directory is a joint publication of Matrade, the Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC) and the Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (Jakim).
Among the halal products listed in the directory are specialty processed foods, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, personal care products and cosmetics.
Halal services listed in the directory include financial services, logistics and warehousing and industrial parks dedicated for halal manufacturing or production.
Mukhriz said the directory will be distributed through Matrade’s network of 40 overseas trade offices as well as at various international trade events to ensure it reaches the target readers.
He said the first edition of the directory involved 6,000 copies.
“This unique trade directory is also a vital component in the government’s mission to strengthen Malaysia’s position as the global halal hub, in line with the New Economic Model.
“The halal market is growing at a fast pace. Having so much attention and interest from various fields, creates further development initiatives and strategies, which are necessary to promote the halal economy,” he added.
Mukhriz also disclosed that several parties are seriously considering investing in the halal parks in the country.
Earlier, in his welcoming remarks at the Fifth Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP), Mukhriz said the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) member countries should cooperate with each other.
He explained this could be done by having more bilateral cooperation arrangements, especially in the field of trade and investment, in order to remain competitive.
“With an ever increasing rate of globalisation and liberalisation of trade and investment among developed countries, it is imperative for OIC countries to collaborate and expand bilateral trade and investment ties,” he said.
He highlighted that the development of a Trade Preferencial System amongst member states of the OIC (TPS-OIC), was also another way to encourage trade between them.
According to Mukhriz, the implementation of the TPS-OIC would enable exporters of participating countries to gains preferential tariff treatment for selected products.
This will enable the exporters to have an edge over similar products originating from non-participating countries.
He said Malaysia’s total trade with OIC countries registered robust growth in the early part of this year.
For January to April this year, Malaysia’s total trade with OIC countries stood at US$11.29 billion, an increase of 36.6 per cent compared to US$7.75 billion in the same period last year.
A total of 23 participations from 17 OIC member countries participated in the event, themed, “Endeavouring Global Trade Competitiveness For OIC/D8 Member Countries”.
— BERNAMA