In a bid to promote Thailand as a Halal product hub, Thai government organized a three-day international convention and exhibition event targeting Muslim market, which started on Friday in Bangkok.
The event, called World of Muslim 2007, is hosted by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Thai Chamber of Commerce and other partner organizations. It comprises two major parts -- the 2nd International Islamic Economic, Cultural and Tourism Conference in Thailand, an annual event of the 57-member Organization of the Islamic Conference to provide trade policies for Muslim countries, and the World of Muslim Trade and Exhibition, which aimed to showcase the potential of Thai food manufacturers in Halal market.
According to Anirut Smutkochorn, president of the Thai-Islamic Trade and Industrial Association, Thailand ranks 12th in the world in terms of food export, while its share in Halal products market in 2006 was only 330 million U.S dollars or 0.057 percent. The world Muslim population is estimated at 1.9 billion, with a rapid growth rate that almost doubles or triples other populations. These facts suggest both a huge opportunity and an immense potential for Thailand to expand its Halal business in Muslim countries.
Vithaya Sintharapantorn, Director for Exhibitions of TCEB, said World of Muslim 2007, the first one held in Thailand, will provide opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs to have a clear understanding of rules and regulations in doing business with Muslim countries, and will also reinforce Thailand's capacity and readiness to be a Halal hub, not only in terms of food, but also of industrial products, health care, tourism, finance and other businesses in compliance with Islamic standards.
One significant advantage, Vithaya said, is that Thailand has established the Halal Science Center, a government unit at Chulalongkorn University and the world's first center specialized in Halal products. The center can provide academic and technological support with a globally-recognized Halal certification standard for any individual or institution interested in investing in Halal business.
Source: Xinhua
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