PHNOM PENH, May 17 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's leadership role in developing the Halal industry marked another major milestone today with the signing of a strategic collaboration agreement between the Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC) and SLN Meat Supplies Pty Ltd, the biggest slaughterhouse in Cambodia to promote cooperation in Halal meat supplies and investment into halal industry.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by HDC’s by Chief Executive Officer YBhg. Dato’ Seri Jamil Bidin, and SLN Meat Supplies Pty Ltd was represented by its Chairman, Mr Hor Sim Leang. The MoU exchange ceremony was witnessed by YB. Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed, the Minister of International Trade and Industry and HE Pan Sorasak, Minister of Commerce Cambodia. Also present was HDC’s Chairman, YBhg. Datuk Seri Hj Rizuan Abd Hamid.

YB. Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed led the Malaysian delegation to the World Economic Forum (WEF) on ASEAN 2017 held from 10^th – 12^th May 2017 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

The MoU aims to promote cooperation in Halal industry initiatives in ASEAN region, especially in strategic partnership between HDC and SLN Meat Supplies Pty Ltd for Halal Trade, Investments and knowledge sharing activities between Malaysia and Cambodia. The joint effort is expected to benefit Malaysia from the sharing of expertise and knowledge on agriculture and halal beef practices by SLN Meat Supplies Pty Ltd.

HDC is also expected to assist SLN Meat Supplies Pty Ltd in adopting the Halal Malaysia standards supported by Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM).

“The conversion of SLN Meat Supplies Pty Ltd  into Halal in accordance with the Malaysian Halal Standards will provide option for Malaysia in sourcing for quality meat products for Malaysian market, on top of the current major sources from India and Australia.” said Dato’ Seri Jamil Bidin.

Malaysian companies are encouraged to be partners with SLN Meat Supplies Pty Ltd and other Cambodian companies to increase and expand investment in the ASEAN region.

In terms of economic development, Malaysia registered RM179.47 Million in Halal export to Cambodia in 2016. This is an increase of 18.3% from the year before. Malaysia Halal export includes food and beverage (RM151.41 Million); Pharmaceutical (RM 13.55 Million); Cosmetics and Personal Care (RM 8.50 Mil) and Ingredients (RM 6.02).


ABOUT HALAL INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION SDN BHD (HDC)

Halal Means Business
 
The Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC) was established on 18 September 2006 to coordinate the overall development of the Halal industry in Malaysia. HDC is an agency under the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI). 
 
HDC is Malaysia's holistic response to the worldwide demand for better quality products and services as consumers gain confidence in the Halal process. Its key thrusts are to promote Halal standards; facilitate capacity- building for halal products and services; promote growth and participation of Malaysian companies in the trillion dollar global halal market. Today, there is an estimated population of 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide. The global halal market is currently estimated at USD2.3 trillion covering both food and non-food sectors.
 
In its effort to serve as an international hub for the halal industry, HDC provides manufacturers, distributors, retailers, entrepreneurs, researchers and investors with comprehensive assistance to penetrate and serve a growing global halal market through the adoption of the Malaysian experience and expertise in food and non-food sectors. For more information, please visit HDC at - www.hdcglobal.com.

NEWS RELEASE prepared and issued by Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
HDC PR & Media
Name : Norsida Ahmad 
Tel : +6012 3249703 
Email : norsida.ahmad@hdcglobal.com 

--BERNAMA