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| Source: Malaysian Biotechnology Corporation. |
“Malaysia believes that the halal industry has high potential as a new source of economic growth and to address the global challenges on food security, healthcare and sustainability issues. With the industry evolving into bio-based economy, the potential of the halal bioeconomy is tremendous,” said Dato’ Dr Mohd Nazlee Kamal, CEO of BiotechCorp.
Speaking at the 2014 World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) in Dubai, Dato’ Dr Mohd Nazlee added that as the lead agency developing the bio-based industry in Malaysia, BiotechCorp intends to collaborate with relevant halal authorities in its efforts to develop bioeconomy-based halal products and innovations such as halal vaccines and halal agro-food businesses.
Malaysia is well positioned to be the centre for the promotion, distribution and production of halal food, non-food products and other services. Companies can also leverage on Malaysia’s strength in halal certification and the government’s support as well as promotional efforts to capture the halal market.
“Bioeconomy will act as an enabler to ensure sustainability of the Halal industry to reach the demands by the global Muslim population for food, healthcare and other services. With the Halal Bioeconomy initiative, we would be able to create a halal ecosystem as a platform for the halal industry players in venturing into lucrative market for halal bio-based products worldwide,” Dato’ Dr Mohd Nazlee added.
The 10th WIEF organised by the WIEF Foundation in collaboration with the Dubai Chamber brought more than 2,500 participants from 140 countries and offered a global platform to form innovative partnerships in the areas of Islamic finance, the halal food industry, halal tourism, the Islamic digital economy, Islamic art and design, centres for Islamic economy standards and certification, and international centres for Islamic information and education.