www.bt.com.bn - THE Philippines is looking towards Brunei as the standard for its halal industry, a representative from the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) said after a briefing to local business figures on the International Food Exhibition (IFEX) 2013 at the Philippines Embassy.
"We look at Brunei as the standard (for this) because the world knows that when we look to a Halal standard, it's Brunei that is number one," said Romleah Juliet P Ocampo, officer-in-charge at the Agrimarine Division at CITEM. (source)
Brunei has "the highest Halal standard in the world", so the country is "our benchmark" in the industry, she said.
Ocampo also noted that there should be "no problems getting (Bruneian) products into the Philippines because then when we know it comes from Brunei, it's really something."
The importance of the halal sector and the food industry in general, was highlighed in Philippines Ambassador Nestor Z Ochoa's welcoming speech on Monday, where he noted the establishment of the Brunei Agro-Technology Park and the Brunei Halal Brand project.
"Exploration of new export markets are set to move agriculture output up the value chain, deepen the overall contribution to economic diversification, and provide greater domestic security," said the ambassador.
The Philippines signed an Act in early 2010, in accordance with the 2011-2013 Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP)'s Halal Development Project, which according to a release from CITEM, was aimed at promoting and developing the Philippines Halal industry and accrediting halal-certifying entities or bodies for the "utmost benefit of Muslim Filipinos and in partnership or cooperation with appropriate agencies, individuals and institutions here and abroad".
'Halal Food Asia' is also one of three major product features of the IFEX 2013.
According to the press statement, the fair aims to "open a window into the lucrative Halal food market worth US$632 billion, representing almost 17 percent of the entire food and drink industry".
The IFEX 2013 will be held in Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City, Manila.
It is expected to have over eleven product profiles available, including Halal, Kosher Organic, Fresh Fruit, Vegetables and Seafood, as a part of its exhibition range.The Brunei Times
Source : http://www.bt.com.bn/business-national/2012/04/11/philippine-considers-brunei-standard-bearer-halal - April 11, 2012
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