UAE Invites M'sian Exporters To Halal Food Trade Show

KUALA LUMPUR, April 4 (Bernama) -- Malaysian halal food players have been invited to the Sharjah Expo Centre in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the "Halal Food Middle East" trade show in December. The event would serve as a platform for the participants to enter the high-potential Middle East market, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry Second Vice Chairman Saeed Obaid Al Jarwan said Wednesday. "The inaugural Halal Food Middle East can play the role of a key facilitator of trade between Malaysia and the Gulf region since the Malaysian government has identified Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states as an important target to boost the country's halal product exports," he said at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre where the World Halal Research Summit is being held. The Halal Food Middle East trade show is expected to attract more than 100 exhibitors globally. Saeed Abiad said: "Out of the 80 percent food products imported, Malaysia was among the major countries where the Gulf countries made their trade besides the United States of America, China, India, Australia and Thailand." According to the latest statistics, the annual food import for the GCC is set to grow from US$25.8 billion in 2010 to US$53 billion in 2020. Sharjah Expo Centre Director-General Saif Mohammed Al Midfa said the statistics and market indicators provided enough insights into the Gulf region's huge potential. Apart from gaining better exposure for their products, Malaysian exporters and establishments would also get a vantage point to champion the halal cause in the region, he said. "There are plenty of opportunities up for grabs and Halal Food Middle East will help Malaysian exports find a firm foothold in the region," he said. He said Halal Food Middle East would also be a boon for exporters in Malaysia that recently invested more than US$200 million in five halal parks across the country on the back of a more than 50 percent rise in exports to US$12 billion last year, to explore new markets and dealers for their products. "Malaysia has build a commanding leadership as halal hub of choice for manufacturers, traders and consumers," he added. -- BERNAMA