WHF passes resolutions to boost Halal industry

[sonz]

The World Halal Forum (WHF) 2006 adopted two resolutions to boost the Halal industry in Muslim and non-Muslim countries, The Business Times reported.

The three-day forum, which opened in Kuala Lumpur on May 8, is the first gathering of its kind to bring together leading corporations, entrepreneurs, researchers, government agencies, regulatory bodies to discuss the development of the Halal industry in the world.

"The forum has been established as a choice platform to develop and improve the global Halal market where all issues related to the industry would be raised and discussed," said Jumaatun Azmi, managing director of KasehDia Sdn Bhd, which carries out various Islamic projects all over the world.

The first resolution passed by WHF calls for the establishment of an International Halal Industry Association that comprises Halal producers and service providers.

WHF Chairman Khairy Jamaluddin said the association will examine, among other things, the lack of participation by Muslim countries in the international Halal industry, noting that more than 80% of the industry is controlled by non-Muslims.

The second resolution is to request a fund from the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) to be under the control of the association to boost the Halal industry.

Commenting on the proposed fund, IDB regional director Ahmed Hariri said: "I think at least U.S.$200 million to U.S.$300 million is needed to realize the development of the Halal industry globally."

As part of its efforts to develop the Halal industry worldwide, Azmi said that KasehDia, the publisher of the Halal Journal magazine, also introduced awards to honor success and innovation in the global Halal market.

The Halal Journal Awards have eight categories covering the Best Halal Product, Most Creative Marketing Campaign, Best Islamic Financial Service/ Product, Best Corporate Social Responsibility Program, Travel and Hospitality, Best Halal-related Service Provider, Best Innovation in Halal Industry and Outstanding Personal Achievement in the Halal Industry.