MALAYSIA TO SEND ONE OF BIGGEST DELEGATIONS TO HALAL EXPO 2009

DUBAI, Nov 5 (Bernama) -- Malaysia will send one of the biggest national
delegations to the annual Halal Expo 2009 here next week, according to
organisers, Orange Fairs & Events.

Its project manager, Nafees Ahmed, said Malaysian exporters were focusing on
the Middle East as a new business destination, with most of them now
aggressively exploring more effective means to establish a strong presence.

"Amid the rising affluence of Muslims around the world, most prominently in
the Middle East, we believe that Halal Expo 2009 will be the perfect platform
and channel for Malaysian companies to communicate to both global and regional
customers about the excellent quality and value of halal goods," he said in a
statement.

He said the halal industry has become a strong stable market with the number
of halal consumers worldwide reaching 1.8 billion and annual sales hitting
US$580 billion (US$169.47 billion).(US$1=RM3.38).

Besides Malaysian companies, halal-product exporters and manufacturers from
Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Egypt, France, Iran, Jordan, Turkey as well as
the United Arab Emirates have also confirmed their participation.

The expo, from Nov 10 to 12, will be held at Al Jawhara Hall, Madinat
Jumeirah Hotel in Dubai.
-- BERNAMA