FIRST WORLD HALAL FORUM EUROPE TO TAP POTENTIAL HALAL MARKET

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 17 (Bernama) -- World Halal Forum (WHF) Europe begins
Tuesday in The Hague, the Netherlands, marking the first time the forum is held
outside Malaysia and aiming to tap the huge potential of Europe's halal market.

Drawing participation from key industry players from 33 countries and strong
representation from Europe and Southeast Asia, as well as from Africa, the
Middle East, the United States and Australia, WHF Europe is expected to create a
path for better understanding and acceptance of the halal industry.

In line with its theme "Halal Potential -- A Regional Focus", WHF Europe
will touch not just on business perspectives but also address issues and
problems related to the industry.

Held at the World Forum Convention Centre, WHF Europe will end Wednesday
after seven sessions of presentations and discussions.

Among the speakers are Bosnia Herzegovina's grand mufti Dr Mustafa Ceric and
Farm Animal Welfare Council United Kingdom's council member Dr Michael Appleby.

"The forum will end with a resolution from the delegates, something tangible
to allow the halal industry, especially in Europe, to realise its full
potential," said World Halal Forum's founder Jumaatun Azmi, who is also managing
director of KasehDia Sdn Bhd, in her welcoming remarks.

"We chose to have our inaugural WHF Europe in The Hague in view of the fact
that it is a neutral ground in terms of socio-political scenario compared to
other European countries," Jumaatun said in a statement to Bernama.

"Furthermore, it has huge potential to be a gateway for halal trade since
Port of Rotterdam, which is the largest port in Europe, has dedicated storage
and warehouse facilities which are already operational a few years back," she
said.

According to Jumaatun, WHF Europe will provide insights into real
opportunities in the halal industry and give clearer perspectives to businesses,
consumers, Muslim groups and policy makers on its viability and potential.

More importantly, it will help increase understanding on the concept of
halal and its values not only to Muslims, but also to non-Muslims, she said.

Europe, which has third largest concentration of Muslims after Asia and
Africa, currently has a Muslim population of about 51.2 million, with a growth
of 140 per cent in a decade.

Though Europe represents only 3.2 per cent of the total Muslim population,
the region consumes 10.2 per cent of the total halal food production, indicating
a growing market with huge potential.

The WHF was launched in 2006 to promote the halal concept for the benefit of
the global Muslim market.

KasehDia, a communications and research company, is behind the initiative,
which is being supported by the Malaysian government and recognised by the
Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC).

-- BERNAMA