HALAL PRODUCTS AND SERVICES TRADE DIRECTORY LAUNCHED

KUALA LUMPUR, June 24 (Bernama) -- International Trade and Industry Deputy
Minister Mukhriz Mahathir, launched Thrusday, 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 Department of Islamic Development,
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 gain 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 with US$7.75
billion in the same period last year.

A total of 23 participants from 17 OIC member countries participated in
the event, themed, "Endeavouring Global Trade Competitiveness For OIC/D8
Member Countries."
-- BERNAMA


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