Halal Product Exports To Rise 10 Pct To US$10.99 Billion This Year, Says HDC

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 8 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's export of halal products is expected to rise by 10 per cent to RM33 billion (US$10.99 billion) this year, thanks to aggressive efforts undertaken by the government, to promote the industry overseas. "Our target has always been an annual ten per cent rise (exports), it is a reasonable (target) to achieve. "The forecast is according to our data warehouse system and is in line with annual projections," said Malaysia Halal Industry Development Corp (HDC) vice-president (operations) Mohd Raimee Tamin. The HDC data warehouse system, initiated last year, was based on statistics collected from government agencies and industry players while actual export figures would be compiled and released by the Department of Statistics in mid-February, he told a press conference here Wednesday to announce Malaysia Halal Week 2012. Meanwhile, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation chief executive officer Wong Lai Sum told reporters that softening global economic conditions would impact the growth of the global halal industry. She said the expectation was in line with the World Trade Organisation (WTO)'s projection of a moderate industry growth of 3.3 per cent this year. "The halal industry does not just cater for the Muslim community, it also cut across a wide cross-section of people. "In terms of moderation and global output, if the economic situation softens, it will impact demand for halal products," she said. On the Halal Week, Wong said the event would attract participants from 50 countries including China, Indonesia, France, South Korea, Australia, Belgium and Chile, Tunisia and Poland. The Malaysia Halal Week Forum, to be held between April 2-7, would comprise the Malaysia International Halal Showcase, World Halal Research Summit and the Seventh World Halal Forum 2012. -- BERNAMA