WHRS 2011 AN IMPORTANT PLATFORM TO EXCHANGE VIEWS

KUALA LUMPUR, April 7 (Bernama) -- The World Halal Research Summit 2011
(WHRS 2011) has served as an important platform to exchange views and manage the
direction of halal industry development, said former Prime Minister Abdullah
Ahmad Badawi.

"It is my hope that the sharing of knowledge and experience among the
participants here can contribute to the advancement of halal-related technology
and innovation to meet the demand for high-quality halal products," he said at
the close of the WHRS 2011 here Thursday.

Abdullah said Malaysia was now well-positioned to contribute to the growth
of the halal industry and play a catalyst role.

"Malaysia has been globally acknowledged as a leading industry player and is
known to have an established system in halal certification and the halal logo
has gained worldwide acceptance," he said.

Meanwhile, Halal Industry Development Corp Bhd (HDC) chief executive
officer, Jamil Bidin, said the corporation's commercial, which featured Prime
Minister Najib Razak, appeared on Cable News Network Wednesday.

"This is major achievement. We hope it will promote Malaysia as the leader
in the halal industry," he said.

The WHRS 2011 is organised by HDC.