ARARAT - A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between Mayor, Cr Ian Wilson and one of the most powerful men in the world, the Sultan of Brunei, during a sales mission to Brunei by an Ararat Rural City Council delegation this month.

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding is the first step towards potentially exporting Halal certified grain, meat and other products from the Ararat region to Brunei for local use, and as part of a new Brunei Halal Brand to be launched globally.

According to the World Halal Forum 2006, the Halal industry is worth US $560 billion annually, with Halal food accounting for US $150 billion annually. The estimated growth for Halal food spending annually is about two per cent.

There are 1.8 billion people of the Muslim faith in the world. With concern increasing among Muslim religious leaders that a rising proportion of food may not be genuine Halal, Brunei is leading this opportunity to develop a widely recognised global brand.

The delegation was organised in conjunction with Regional Development Victoria, and included a large group of food producers and council representatives from across Victoria to establish valuable trade links with the Brunei Government.

The group also took part in the International Halal Product Expo 2007, where it showcased regional produce, forged relationships with other international food producers, buyers and sellers, and learned more about the global Halal market.

Ararat Rural City Council talked up the region’s grain, prime lambs, cattle and emu products, olives, lavender and herb products, as well as the significant opportunities for live sheep export and/or Halal accredited packaged meat export.

In the weeks leading up to the delegation, local producers were given the opportunity to attend a briefing and information session in Ararat on the project by Brian Norwood from Elders.

A number of local food producers took the opportunity to send sample products to Brunei for the International Halal Product Expo.

‘‘The Sultan, his government and Halal buyers and sellers from around the world are now more aware of the clean, green produce that the Ararat region offers,’’ Mayor Cr Ian Wilson said.

‘‘The trip was extremely worthwhile to set up relationships that can potentially connect our local businesses with international trade opportunities.’’

Local producer Rob Armstrong, who paid to be part of the delegation, returned with exciting prospects for export of his grain, prime lambs and emu oil. He also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Sultan of Brunei.

‘‘I really enjoyed meeting all of these incredibly business orientated people with companies around the world,’’ Mr Armstrong said.

‘‘I came back very enthusiastic about the connections I had made. It was good to get the blinkers off and get away from the business to see where there are new opportunities.’’

Ararat Rural City CEO Steve Chapple said that the sales mission proved just how big the Halal market opportunities are globally and how non-Muslim countries are working with their Muslim neighbours on an exciting market opportunity.

‘‘Ararat Rural City Council will now continue to work with the Victorian Government to develop a list of potential investment opportunities and joint ventures between our region and Brunei,’’ he said.

‘‘It was more than apparent that Brunei favours Australia’s clean and green image and fresh food supply. It’s a natural competitive advantage that we have over the rest of the world and they have a lot of interest in dealing with us.

‘‘Council would be delighted to work with any local business interested in pursuing opportunities into Brunei or potential joint ventures.’’

Interested businesses can contact Ararat Rural City manager rural city development, Mark Hogan on 5355 0276.

The Ararat Advertiser. August 31, 2007.