Taiwanese Exhibitors Hope To Maintain Transactions Of US$30 Mln At MIFB 2012

KUALA LUMPUR, July 11 (Bernama) -- Taiwanese exhibitors hope to maintain their forecast of recording US$30 million in transactions at the Malaysian International Food & Beverage Trade Fair 2012 (MIFB 2012) from July 12-14. Deputy representative (economic affairs) at the Taipei Economic and Culture Office in Malaysia, Lin Min-Li, said they had set the target last year but only managed to hit US$10 million. Lin said although the world was facing global economic uncertainty, he was confident of achieving the target as bilateral trade between Malaysia and Taiwan in 2011 stood at US$15.6 billion, a 13.6 per cent growth from 2010. "Both countries' food product trade in 2011 accounted for US$152.4 million, a 20 per cent growth from 2010," he told a media briefing here on Tuesday on the Taiwanese participation at the MIFB 2012. MIFB 2012 will feature over 400 stalls from all around the world. Lin said the Taiwan Pavilion would feature 40 Taiwanese stalls. "A special segment this year is the 'Night Market Street' showcasing Taiwanese food and beverage raw materials such as bubble tea pearls and taro balls which are distributed by Malaysia companies," he said. He said there would also be a food-tasting session at 11am on July 13. Meanwhile, Taiwan Trade Centre Inc Kuala Lumpur Representative Office's director, Jessie Tseng, hoped the Halal Industry Development Corp would assist Taiwanese exhibitors obtain halal certificates from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia. She said Malaysia's halal certificate was recognised by over 22 member countries of the Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation. -- BERNAMA