By M K Anwar
His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday said that he has every confidence and belief that Brunei as an Islamic nation is indeed well equipped and has the comparative advantage to position itself to become one of the leading players in the global Halal market.
The monarch said this in a message as he consented to officiate the opening of the first ever International Halal Products Expo 2006.
Held at the International Convention Centre, the Expo is part of the nation's efforts to diversify the economy in line with the country's philosophy of Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB). The production of Halal products and services is seen as an important sector.
It is even more significant that it is held in conjunction with His Majesty's 60th birthday celebrations.
The theme of this year's expo is "Going Global with Halal Products".
In the message, His Majesty said that the International Halal Products Expo 2006 clearly marks an important beginning for Brunei in its efforts to venture into the lucrative market of Halal products and services.
Earlier, His Majesty was greeted on arrival at the ICC by Minister of Home Affairs, Pehin Dato Hj Awg Adanan; Minister of Religious Affairs, Pehin Dato Dr Ustaz Hj Mohd Zain; Minister of Industry and Primary Resources, Pehin Dato Dr Awg Hj Ahmad; and Minister of Health, Pehin Dato Hj Suyoi.
Accompanying His Majesty was His Royal Highness Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Azim, HRH Prince Abdul Malik and HRH Prince Abdul Mateen.
His Majesty's message also highlighted the vast opportunities in the US$560 billion annual market for the whole Halal industry with the food sector alone worth US$150 billion annually.
"It is clear that there is plenty of room for everyone to work together and benefit from the huge potential," the message said.
With this in mind, His Majesty said that Brunei is among those who are moving forward to tap this market. Besides being in line with the diversification effort of the country, His Majesty said that making Halal food more readily available to Muslim consumers is a "Fardu Kifayah" (obligation).
"As Muslims, we undertake these efforts to seek, first and foremost, the blessings of Allah the Almighty for it is stated in the Quran.
"All nations, in particular Muslim nations, should work together to benefit from this."
His Majesty's message also said that through the exchange of views, knowledge and experiences, especially in the development of Halal standards, we can all enhance our own understanding of what is required to succeed in the business.
By partnering with the more developed countries in investment and technology transfer, we will be able to develop our own capacity in the production of Halal products and services.
"With this in mind Brunei Darussalam is hosting its first IHPE 2006, which is a platform for interested players in the Halal industry to come together, meet each other, and most importantly, conclude deals that would be beneficial for all," His Majesty said in the message.
After launching the event, His Majesty consented to tour the booths exhibiting different Halal products and services. Hundred booths are taking part including local and international companies specialising in different types of halal products and services.
The participating companies include Australia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.
Besides the exhibition, the expo will also conduct seminars with topics of discussion revolving on the Brunei Halal market overview, the Halal certification and processes as well as Islamic Banking and Finance.
Five local speakers and 15 international speakers have been invited for the seminar.
The expo is expected to facilitate both local and international entrepreneurs to expand their business network especially on the production and trading of Halal certified food products.
- Borneo Bulletin
(8th Aug 2006)
