Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi told the World Halal Forum that all countries should harmonise their efforts to develop one standard of halal certification and one logo and make halal an international brand.

"The halal industry is for Muslim and non-Muslim alike. It is our duty to enhance and further promote halal to become a global premium brand and harmonise the global halal market," Badawi said.

According to the Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC), which is responsible for halal development in Malaysia, the industry is worth US$570 billion (Bt19.8 trillion). Halal is an expanding market, with an average growth of about 50 per cent a year. People in 186 countries consume halal food.

Thailand's Deputy Foreign Minister Sawanit Kongsiri said Thailand was one of the world's major halal producers and could join Malaysia in developing the industry.

Thailand also had scientific knowledge to exchange with other countries, he said.

Malaysia is attempting to promote itself as the world's halal hub, while Thailand wants to promote itself as the hub of the halal industry in Asia, especially concerning hospitals, restaurants and tourism, Sawanit said.

Jamil Bidin, managing director of HDC, said Thailand and Malaysia could become a halal hub in different areas of expertise. He said each nation had strengths.

Petchanet Pratruangkrai

The Nation

Kuala Lumpur