SULU (Mindanao Examiner / Apr. 4, 2012) – The Philippines has participated Wednesday to the 9th Malaysia International Halal Showcase held in Kuala Lumpur, Filipino embassy officials said.
Officials said the event, held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, will run until April 7.
Leading the Filipino delegation to the event were Suraida Guro, from the Department of Trade and Industry-Bureau of Export Trade Promotion; Chol dela Paz, from the Center for International Trade Exposition and Missions, and Engr. Leandro Gazmin, from the Department of Agriculture.
Ambassador Jose Eduardo Malaya, together with Consul Gonaranao Musor, Vice Consul Johann Veronica Andal and Trade Assistant Louie Brigida Quero Lee, visited the Philippine pavilion and interacted with the exhibitors.
“The Philippines has a natural competitive edge in halal products in the world, as Muslim-Filipinos form a significant segment of our society. We should further develop and promote our halal food, particularly for export, even as we make our tourism destinations in the Philippines also more friendly to Muslim tourists,” Malaya said in a statement sent to the Mindanao Examiner.
With the tag, “Philippines: A Feast of Flavors”, the Philippine pavilion was noticeable in the exhibit hall because of its set-up, with buyers and other interested parties flocking in the different booths to inquire or get sample of the unique Filipino products, as well as conduct business matching activities.
The Philippine pavilion featured processed food, ingredients and condiments, seafood, fresh fruit and vegetables, and natural and organic products. The exhibitors – Angel Coco, Inc.; Anjo Farms, Inc.; Magic Melt Foods, Inc.; Mofel’s Food International Corp., Pampanga’s Best; Republic Biscuit Corporation; Raw Brown Sugar Milling Company, Inc., and Beauche International by Conchita, Inc.
The event is an annual trade fair held every second quarter of the year in Kuala Lumpur. It is hosted by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, in cooperation with the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation.
With the theme, “Empowering the Global Halal Market”, this year’s event attracted around 300 exhibitors from 17 countries.
Inaugurated in 2004 with the aim of facilitating the sourcing and selling of quality halal consumables, products and services globally, this annual trade fair is one of the largest congregations of halal industry players.
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