10/23/2012 — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 23 (Bernama) — The International Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI), the Halal Industry Development Corporation and East Coast Economic Region Development Corridor (ECERDC) would

organise a trade and investment mission to Songkhla, Thailand, from October 30-31.
Its minister, Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, would lead 90 Malaysian companies, comprising mainly small-and-medium-sized enterprises involved in halal ingredients, food and beverages, as well as, halal related logistics and services, on the mission.
“The main purpose of the mission is to enhance and strengthen collaboration between Malaysia-Thailand in the promotion and development of halal products and services,” a MITI statement said.
It is also intended to attract Thai companies to invest in the manufacture of halal products in Malaysia, especially in the ECERDC region, MITI said.
A seminar entitled, “Malaysia-Thailand Bilateral Cooperation and Business Opportunity in Halal” would also be held on October 31 in Hat Yai, attended by 350 Thai participants.
Individual business meetings have also been scheduled for Malaysian companies to meet their Thai counterparts.
MITI also said the seminar would also provide a platform for Malaysia to promote investment and business opportunities in the 108 acre Pasir Mas Halal Park.
Thailand is Malaysia’s important trading partner with total trade showing a an upward trend from 2000-2011.
Malaysia’s trade with Thailand increased from US$6.7 billion in 2000 to US$23.1 billion in 2011 with exports of halal products amounting to US$562.4 million, a significant increase from US$286 million in 2010.