KUCHING: Muslim countries should unite around the same mission and vision to develop a global halal industry, says Indonesia's vice-president Ma’aruf Amin.
He said focus should be given to boost joint investments, especially in developing and building an integrated halal ecosystem hub.
"I hope the Asean (Association of South-East Asian Nations) region can be the pioneer in this cooperation.
"Besides this, it is vital for us to standardise a global halal standard that can reduce trade barriers and increase trade of halal products among countries,” he said during his speech at the Global Muslim Business Forum (GMBF) 2023 Gala Dinner here Tuesday (Nov 28) night.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg also attended the dinner.
Ma’aruf also welcomed the cooperation agreement between Malaysia and Indonesia in accrediting halal product certification in June.
"It’s time for us to maximise the role of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and other international Islamic organisations to strengthen cooperation for future Islamic economic interests,” he added.
The forum, with the theme "Innovation and Transformation in the Islamic Economy" is being held from Nov 28 to 30 and is expected to attract around 1,000 attendees from 37 countries.
GMBF 2023 is hosted by the Sarawak government and is jointly organised by the KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific, the Islamic Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (ICCIA) and Global One. - Bernama
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