MALAYSIA HAS POTENTIAL TO BE TOP GLOBAL HALAL PLAYER, SAYS MUSTAPA

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 12 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has the potential to be the
number one player in the global Halal food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical
industry, says Minister of International Trade and Industry, Mustapa
Mohamed.

He said Malaysia had proven its capabilities in many areas of the Halal
industry, and that it could repeat the success in the Halal food industry as
well.

Malaysia has been very successful in the Islamic Finance and Banking
industry and now it is time to focus in other areas of the large industry, he
told reporters after launching the inaugral Halal Fiesta (HALFEST) 2011, here
Wednesday.

However, the country cannot gain the number one status in a short term, he
said, pointing out that in the Islamic banking, the country took more than 20
years to be number one.

"That is why the government and private institutions are in the midst of
implementing the Halal Industry Transformation Programme," he said.

For the processed halal food and beverages industry, Malaysia's total export
was worth RM8.2 billion (US$1=RM3.15) last year with China, US, Pakistan, Japan
and Singapore being the main export destinations.

On the five-day HALFEST, Mustapa said it will be the right platform for
local small and medium enterpreneurs to establish their business, and move their
business direction to another level.

With 654 booths, the organiser, Halal Development Corporation expects to
register business transactions worth RM25 million through 60,000 visitors.

-- BERNAMA