Take Part In CAEXPO, MATRADE Urges Halal Industry Players

JOHOR BAHARU (Johor, Malaysia), May 11 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) has urged halal industry players especialy those involved in the halal hub here to take part in the China ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) to tap the vast halal industry opportunities in the republic. MATRADE Director Of China Unit Ong Yew Chee said the halal industry players here have the capabilities and advantages to offer the China market. "We would like to encourage industry players as well as related agencies to take part in this CAEXPO so we can link them with potential business partners during the expo," he told reporters after the Tour of China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) 2016 here Wednesday which was officiated by MATRADE Chairman Noraini Ahmad. CAEXPO, to be held on Sept 23-26 in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous region, will be a suitable platform to promote Malaysia's halal hubs. "This will then explore possible cooperation between Malaysian and Chinese companies with the latter investing here and the former exploring the possibilities of exporting halal products from Malaysia," he said. Ong said for the republic's 22 million Muslims, food safety is a concern. Malaysian products to be showcased at CAEXPO include food and beverages, health and wellness products, lifestyle products as well as franchise business opprortunities. So far, he said, 200 local companies have already confirmed their participation in CAEXPO. "We expect to rake in about US$61.85 million (RM250 million) in sales during the CAEXPO," he added. Last year, 152 Malaysian companies, including small and medium enterprises (SMEs), participated in the Malaysia Pavilion to promote their products and services, with US$52.95 million (RM214 million) recorded in sales. (US$1 =RM4.04) -- BERNAMA