Halal fest to feature various products, services by vendors from 15 countries

Rosle (right) and Radif speaking to Dr Irma Shida Abu Samah, a Fijo participant, about the upcoming event in Johor Baru.

THE Johor International Islamic and Halal Festival (Fijo) will be back at the end of this month to promote the state’s halal products after a two-year gap.

Four hundred booths will offer halal and Muslim lifestyle products, including apparel, supplements, health and beauty items, as well as food and beverage, financial services and tourism products.

Event co-organiser Datuk Rosle Jaamat said Fijo, which was a success when it was first held in 2019, could make Johor an international go-to destination for halal products.

“Fijo is unique because it is held in the heart of Johor Baru, making it ideal for investors from neighbouring countries. We also have the infrastructure to support such demand.

“A total sales value of about RM10mil was recorded in the previous event and we have set a sales target of RM20mil this time,” he added.

Memorandums of understanding (MOUs) will also be signed with other countries so that local products can penetrate the overseas market.

“This will bring opportunities to other industries, such as logistics and services,” said Rosle.

“Participants from Turkey have already expressed interest in Johor’s pineapple-based products, and those from the United Kingdom will be looking at suitable products to be introduced back home.

“Other halal products in Johor such as services, education and healthcare, also have potential to penetrate the overseas market,” he added.

Celebrity host and entrepreneur Noor Neelofa Mohd Noor is expected to share her entrepreneurial and spiritual journey at the trade fair on Sept 29.

Meanwhile, Johor Entrepreneur Corporation (PUJB) general manager Mohamad Radif Kosni said the event from Sept 29 to Oct 2 would take place at Persada Johor International Convention Centre.

“About 90% of the exhibition booths have been taken up by participants from 15 countries, including Indonesia, Singapore, Syria, Turkey, Australia, Pakistan, the UK, United Arab Emirates, Afghanistan, Somalia and Yemen.

“We have also allocated 108 booths to give small and medium enterprises under PUJB the chance to market their products. Response has been good.

“This is because they know that Fijo is a good platform for vendors to get connected to an even wider halal market,” said Radif.