Bandar Seri Begawan - A delegation from Brunei Darussalam participated in the First Halal World Expo 2007 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates held at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center and led by Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Hamid bin Haji Mohd Jaafar, Permanent Secretary at Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources.

The delegation, which was composed of government officials from the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources and several Bruneian companies, promoted locally-produced handicrafts, household items, garments and several food products.

The companies participating in the expo were Mohammad Mustaqim Enterprises, Montex Garments, SPHI Food Industries Sdn Bhd, McCrumby Sdn Bhd, Zainab Utama Enterprises.

The three-day exposition was an opportunity for Bruneian companies to expand their export network with a market of more than 4.7 million consumers.

In addition to promoting local products, the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources also promoted the Brunei Halal Brand Project, as well the International Halal Expo 2008 (IHPE 2008), Agro Technology Park and other investment opportunities in Brunei Darussalam.

The Expo, which concluded yesterday, was also attended by over 100 companies from several countries including UAE, Croatia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bosnia, Canada, South Africa, the UK, Swaziland, India, Netherlands, Germany, Syria and the USA.

Another event in the Halal World Expo 2007 was a two-day Global Halal and Islamic Business Forum. Ended on December 10, the forum was themed "Capitalise on New Opportunities in the World's Fastest Growing Industry Sector".

The forum, which brought together experts from various parts of the world, discussed the latest challenges, issues and trends in halal businesses that are vital in determining the future growth of the halal industry.

Topics included the standardisation of halal certification and Islamic protocols and processes, examining the potential for growth in halal and Islamic industries, designing effective marketing strategies for halal and Islamic products, challenges and issues in managing and operating halal and Islamic businesses and the positive attributes of halal and Islamic products.

Attending on behalf of Brunei Darussalam were senior officials from the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources. Other delegates in the forum came from Australia, Bahrain, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Canada, Germany, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, South Africa, Syria, UAE, the UK and the USA. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin