MALAYSIAN STATE TO ESTABLISH HALAL PARK SOON

YINCHUAN(China), Sept 27 (Bernama)-- The Perlis state government is to
establish a Halal Park in Padang Besar soon to produce products for the local
and international market.

Padang Besar (Big Field) is a border town located at northern part of
Perlis, lies at the northern part of the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia.

The development covers 40.47 hectares (100 acres) at an estimated investment
of RM100 million (US$32.34 million), Chief Minister Md Isa Sabu told Bernama
after visiting the China(Ningxia)International Investment and Trade Fair here on
Sunday.

Md Isa was leading a delegation which included the Malaysian Ambassador to
China Iskandar Sarudin, in visiting the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in
conjuction with the trade fair.

More than 15 Malaysian companies and the Kelantan State Economic Development
Corporation have taken up more than 40 booths at the fair to promote local
products.

"It is important to have the Perlis Halal Park located at the
Malaysia-Thailand border, as we can easily transport and market halal products
internationally," Md Isa said.

He added that there was not only demand for halal products locally, but also
among Muslims in Southern Thailand and other countries regionally, as a section
of the international market.

The Ningxia Hui and Xinjiang Autonomous Regions in China have a big Muslim
population.

"My visit here in Ningxia is to explore trade opportunities and attract
investments into Perlis," the Menteri Besar, explained.

He also expressed the desire to bring in halal food industries from China,
and help them market their products in Malaysia and globally with the Perlis
Halal Park serving as an outlet for this purpose.

"I also want halal industries in Perlis to interact with their counterparts
in China, so that we can bring products mutually into each other markets," he
said.

Apart from halal industries, Md Isa highlighted that Perlis is also seeking
to attract Chinese investment in the engineering and hi-tech sectors.

"I understand that there are many Chinese companies specialised in
engingeering and hi-tech products. We encourange them to invest in Malaysia,
especially in Perlis," he added.

He said, Perlis has established the Pauh High Tech Industrial Park and given
many incentives to attract hi-tech companies.

After visiting the trade fair, Md Isa and Iskandar met with the
Governor of Ningxia, Wang Zhengwei, to discuss trade and investment
cooperation.

--BERNAMA