Jamil Bidin showing some Japanese halal products after giving a briefing to journalists during the Halal Industry Performance Highlights held at HDC office yesterday. — Bernama photo
KUALA LUMPUR: The Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC) expects to increase exports of halal products to RM40 billion this year, from an estimated RM39.3 billion in 2016, said chief executive officer, Datuk Seri Jamil Bidin.
He said the target could be reached through extensive efforts at getting more countries to join the global halal market worth US$2.4 trillion.
“China is our biggest halal products importer, and we are now also assisting Japan with preparations for the 2020 Olympic Games.
“Japan is going big in this industry in getting ready to cater to Muslim athletes and tourists expected to visit the country for the Games,” Jamil said.
He said, the HDC also planned to penetrate several other ASEAN countries which promise a huge market for the halal industry with a population of about 600 million.
Jamil was speaking to reporters after a briefing on the halal industry’s performance highlights for last year and outlook for 2017 here yesterday.
“We are also looking to work closely with Pakistan and India this year.
“With India’s 180 million Muslim population, it is a huge market that we cannot miss,” he said.
He added that HDC would be heading to India on a trade mission soon.
Meanwhile, with the government declaring 2017 as the Small and Medium Enterprises year, the HDC hopes for halal activities to be included within the industry.
“The appointment of Jack Ma of e-commerce company Alibaba Group, by the government to spearhead the country’s digital economy plans, will assist the HDC in placing halal-related companies on a higher platform,” Jamil said.
He said it also gives an opportunity for halal product companies to be listed on the Alibaba Group website. — Bernama