MARKET DEVELOPMENT
Local Halal Firms Urged To Further Intensify Exports
Local Halal Firms Urged To Further Intensify Exports
09/04/2014 (Bernama) - Malaysian halal-certified companies have been urged to further intensify exports of halal products and services as competitors from non-Muslim countries have realised the huge potential of the global halal industry.
Making the call, Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said Thailand, Singapore, Japan and Australia are putting greater emphasis on developing and assisting their own producers of halal products to boost their exports.
Speaking to Bernama, Mustapa said greater efforts should be taken to tackle the shortage of raw materials such as halal meat and ingredients.
Malaysian total halal exports for 2013 stood at RM32.84 billion, comprising processed food and beverages at RM13.02 billion (39.8 per cent), ingredients at RM10.62 billion (32.5 per cent), palm oil derivatives at RM4.83 billion (14.8 per cent), cosmetic and personal care products at RM2.03 billion (6.2 per cent) industrial chemicals at RM1.69 billion (5.3 per cent) and pharmaceuticals at RM407.15 million (1.4 per cent).
The shortage of raw materials is due to the lack of emphasis on research and development (R&D) by small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which has affected the quality as well as ability to come up with new products, he said.
"R&D findings will assist in the formulation of fatwas and support traceability and quality control within the industry, identifying alternative ingredients, product development and commercialisation of halal products and services," Mustapa added.
He also urged related bodies to be more efficient at ensuring products are duly certified, allowing market access for the products, as well as creating awareness of Malaysia as the centre for halal products and services.
"Those enhancement processes would create a more conducive business environment for the local halal industry to grow further," he said.
Mustapa said the local halal industry is also facing difficulty in meeting international quality standards that could hinder exports to overseas markets.
These issues, he said, would affect the ability of halal food producers to meet product quality assurance and food safety requirements.
"I am hopeful that the World Halal Week will bring the industry players together, opening the door to enhanced business relationships and cooperation, as well as strengthening Malaysia's position as the hub for global halal trade," he added.
As a modern Islamic country with an open economy, Malaysia is able to support initiatives and programmes that develop and promote the halal sector, he said.
"Our experience and expertise will be valuable for anyone seeking to take advantage of the growing demand for halal products and services," he added.
Making the call, Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said Thailand, Singapore, Japan and Australia are putting greater emphasis on developing and assisting their own producers of halal products to boost their exports.
Speaking to Bernama, Mustapa said greater efforts should be taken to tackle the shortage of raw materials such as halal meat and ingredients.
Malaysian total halal exports for 2013 stood at RM32.84 billion, comprising processed food and beverages at RM13.02 billion (39.8 per cent), ingredients at RM10.62 billion (32.5 per cent), palm oil derivatives at RM4.83 billion (14.8 per cent), cosmetic and personal care products at RM2.03 billion (6.2 per cent) industrial chemicals at RM1.69 billion (5.3 per cent) and pharmaceuticals at RM407.15 million (1.4 per cent).
The shortage of raw materials is due to the lack of emphasis on research and development (R&D) by small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which has affected the quality as well as ability to come up with new products, he said.
"R&D findings will assist in the formulation of fatwas and support traceability and quality control within the industry, identifying alternative ingredients, product development and commercialisation of halal products and services," Mustapa added.
He also urged related bodies to be more efficient at ensuring products are duly certified, allowing market access for the products, as well as creating awareness of Malaysia as the centre for halal products and services.
"Those enhancement processes would create a more conducive business environment for the local halal industry to grow further," he said.
Mustapa said the local halal industry is also facing difficulty in meeting international quality standards that could hinder exports to overseas markets.
These issues, he said, would affect the ability of halal food producers to meet product quality assurance and food safety requirements.
"I am hopeful that the World Halal Week will bring the industry players together, opening the door to enhanced business relationships and cooperation, as well as strengthening Malaysia's position as the hub for global halal trade," he added.
As a modern Islamic country with an open economy, Malaysia is able to support initiatives and programmes that develop and promote the halal sector, he said.
"Our experience and expertise will be valuable for anyone seeking to take advantage of the growing demand for halal products and services," he added.