Good effort: Onn Hafiz (left) visiting one of the booths at the Johor International Islamic and Halal Festival at Persada Johor International Convention Centre, Johor Baru.
JOHOR BARU: Better collaboration among Islamic countries can further expand the already buoyant halal market, says Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
The participation of exhibitors from 15 countries including Indonesia, Syria, Lebanon and Turkey in the second Johor International Islamic and Halal Festival (Fijo) showed that there was a high demand for such products, he said.
“The global halal economy has recorded trillions (in US dollars) in value and its potential can be further tapped with the collaboration of Islamic nations, especially between Malaysia and Indonesia, due to the large Muslim population.
“The Johor government is planning to conduct official visits soon to such nations for this effort, with Indonesia being our first stop,” he told the media after attending the closing ceremony of Fijo at Persada Johor International Convention Centre yesterday.
However, he acknowledged that the plans hinged on the timing of the 15th General Election.
Regarding the four-day programme, Onn Hafiz said that about RM20mil in trade value was projected through the sales booths and the signing of memorandum of understanding (MoU) to export products from five local companies.
Representatives from Jalen Sdn Bhd, We1 Manfacturing (M) Sdn Bhd, Hsrich Global Sdn Bhd, Kia Shing Foodtec Sdn Bhd and Irma Ariandi Global Sdn Bhd each signed the MoU with PT Irma Ariandi Global Indonesia to market their products in Indonesia.
“This is a significant increase compared to the RM7mil recorded in the event’s first edition in 2019,” Onn Hafiz said.
“The state will continue supporting this concerted effort to promote the halal market and we hope to hold Fijo once every two years.”
Exhibitors from the United Kingdom also took part in the event. Most of the participants were from the food and beverage segment, followed by fashion, finance and insurance, tourism, health and beauty.
