HDC To Strengthen Local Halal Players To Compete In Global Export Market

PETALING JAYA (Selangor, Malaysia), Nov 3 (Bernama) -- The Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC) is aiming to strengthen players in the local halal industry in order for them to compete in the global export market estimated to be worth an annual RM6.9 trillion.(US$1=RM3.15) HDC's managing director cum chief operating officer, Jamil Bidin, said Malaysia's exports of halal products amount to RM17 billion currently and this could go up if production is raised to meet global demand. "We would provide help in a holistic way. There are programmes in which we offer financial assistance and there are those in which we offer guidance," he told reporters after the launch of an industry related seminar here on Thursday. Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister, Mukhriz Mahathir officiated the event. Jamil said the demand for Malaysian halal products was on the rise as many countries saw Malaysia as an aggressive player in the industry. Among its main products are cocoa and confectionery while its major markets are Singapore, China and the Middle East. Meanwhile, the one-day seminar today was also aimed at opening up opportunities for former armed forces personnel in the industry. It touched on the aspects of potential in contract farming as well as financial assistance among others. --BERNAMA