WORLD HALAL FOOD INDUSTRY ESTIMATED TO RISE TO US$655 BILLION

KUALA LUMPUR, May 5 (Bernama) -- The world Halal food industry is estimated
to rise to US$655 billion next year from US$635 billion this year, the latest
research by the World Halal Forum has showed, former prime minister Abdullah
Ahmad Badawi disclosed Monday.

He said the industry was rapidly becoming more and more of a focal
point of interest in the current global economic malaise, proved by increasing
international representatives within the Halal supply chain at the 4th World
Halal Forum Dinner.

"Representatives have joined us from international animal welfare
organisations, the World Bank, and also foreign analysts," he said.

Abdullah said while these potentials were encouraging, it must be noted
that in reality, the international trade of Halal food products had less than 10
percent share in the global market.

"This indicates that as the global economy grows, and consumers' purchasing
power increases, demand for Halal food will in turn increase," he said.

Thus with concerted industry efforts, the Halal industry will become the
mainstream choice for not only Muslim customers but also for non-Muslims, he
said.

Abdullah said Malaysia would play a major role in forging an exchange of
ideas and encouraging greater collaboration between the global Halal industry
stakeholders.

"With Malaysia's experience in the development of Halal standards and
certification procedures, the promotion of Halal both domestically and
internationally, I believe Malaysia has gained considerable knowledge in
nurturing and managing the Halal industry," he said.

He said as the Halal market continues to grow in strength and diversity, the
need for international best practices, procedures and standards for
certification, inspection and auditing of Halal products have become
increasingly apparent.

He said the need to ensure that both investors and consumers interest are
protected required all Halal industry stakeholders to work together to create
standards and procedures that will allow the industry to grow.

He said the next stage of growth of the Halal industry will require a higher
level of effort and cooperation between the authorities and industry
stakeholders to achieve the desired results.

"I believe the creation and the work done by the International Halal
Integrity Alliance will be the defining catalyst to achieve this global
objective," he added.
-- BERNAMA