(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Malaysia has gained global recognition as a resource centre for countries seeking information on the development of the halal industry.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said compared with other industries, the whole world turns its attention to Malaysia in the aspect development involving the halal industry due to the reputation and image that the country has gained as a pioneer in the industry.
“Malaysia is a leader for introducing standards for halal accreditation to the world for food products, more than 30 years ago and has the ability and expertise to provide certification non-food products like cosmetics, pharmaceutical and logistics.
“The introduction of standards, certification and accreditation has enabled Malaysia to become a resource and information centre to other countries,” he said in his text speech that was read by Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob at the closing of the 2011 Halal Transformation Programme at Kem Batu 10, here Sunday.
He added that the tremendous growth of the halal industry in Malaysia and its emergence as a halal hub of international repute can be largely attributed to the tireless effort of the Malaysian Government to support and promote the industry.
The Malaysia halal industry owes its success to the many Government initiatives that have played a key role in ensuring that its development is undertaken in an orderly and coordinated manner.
Najib said though Malaysia has yet to become a major producer of halal food, the government has put in place the necessary infrastructures, support base and to leverage on its advantages to become a premier hub for halal products.
It has done well to capitalise on its strengths and advantages to position itself as a centre for investment, business, trading and distribution for halal goods and services, and has gained global recognition as an important hub for all things halal, including Islamic financing, takaful, tourism and logistics.
Malaysia has also taken a holistic approach to set up a halal eco-system or halal hub.
The Prime Minister also urged government-linked companies like Khazanah, Employees Provident Fund, Lembaga Tabung Haji, Sime Darby and Permodalan Nasional Berhad to participate in the development of the halal industry by introducing large scale agriculture activities or through the acquisition of reputable companies or recognizable brands that have been involved in the industry.
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