Malaysia seeks to leverage $5.52bn food services market in the UAE

In line with this, more than 20 companies from Malaysia are participating at 'Halal Expo 2008', the definitive event for the Halal industry in the region, which is slated to run from November 24 - 26, 2008 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Dubai.

The participation is also part of the country's aims to fully capitalise on the $500bn global Halal market by boosting its Halal exports to the region, which they are aiming to grow by more than 20% this year from $71m in 2007.

As one of the leading economies in the region, the UAE plays an important role in Malaysia's aims to establish a significant presence in the global market, on account of its massive food imports, 80% of which are under the Halal category.

In 2007, the UAE has purchased nearly 8% of the world's lamb and beef imports, and 15.4% of global poultry imports.

Aiming to leverage the soaring demand, the companies that comprise the Malaysian delegation will showcase various Halal foodstuffs at the 'Halal Expo 2008', including sauces, health food supplements, vegetable oil, snacks, dairy products, chocolates, coffee and tea, ready-to-eat frozen foods, cocoa, confectionery items, biscuits, health food and fruit juices.

'As we continue to witness a rapid rise in Halal trade, with major destinations such as the UAE importing and channelling an estimated Dhs550m worth of Halal merchandise each year, our goal is to supply the demand and expand our product's reach across the region's other high potential markets,'

said Mohamed Shaiful, CEO, Noble Maxim Sdn Bhd, Malaysia.

'We have recognised the significance of 'Halal Expo 2008' as an ideal platform to exhibit some of our most innovative and top quality food products, especially our Halal-based health food items, which are gaining widespread popularity amidst the current trend for health and fitness products. We are looking forward to our participation in this event and the opportunity to network with other globally based companies from the Halal industry.'

Taking its cue from the growing regional and international Halal market, talks has spurred among players to draft a global standard for Halal products, with Malaysia's processing guidelines being considered as a benchmark for the internationally accepted model.

In line with this, Malaysian participants at the 'Halal Expo 2008' will be showcasing their Malaysian Halal Standards (MS1500:2004) certified processes, which meet the requirements of international health and safety standards such as CODEX and HACCP and the global Muslim community.

The Malaysian participants will also display their culinary talent through on-site cooking demonstrations, with aims to attract more visitors to their booth.

'Malaysian companies are aiming to establish a strong repute as the leading source of Halal products, and we are proud to play a significant role in their aims to leverage the dynamic and growing Halal market in the Middle East.

'Halal Expo 2008' will provide a high-impact venue for Malaysian entrepreneurs and food producers to promote their country as a leading Halal food hub by enabling them to reach new customer bases and further grow their global business by discovering new technologies in the agricultural and agro-based industries. Furthermore, the event will also provide significant data for their market research initiatives, which can lead to the birth of more potential businesses,' concluded Nafees Ahmed, Project Manager, Orange Fairs & Events.

At present, 20 global companies from eight countries have already confirmed their participation at the 'Halal Expo 2008'.

The organiser is also expecting to welcome more than 80 international exhibitors from Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Brunei, Bosnia, Canada, China, Egypt, France, India, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Netherlands, Pakistan, The Philippines, Turkey, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, KSA, UK and the UAE.

In addition, representatives from government bodies including several regional and international Halal certification authorities, chambers of commerce, and international Halal associations have also confirmed their presence.