Halal Industry Development Corp signs MoU with Weifang Sime Darby for halal port

PETALING JAYA: Halal Industry Development Corp (HDC), an agency under the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Weifang Sime Darby Port Co Ltd (WSD) to ensure that its port and industrial park in China meets halal standards.
WSD is a 99%-owned subsidiary of Sime Darby Bhd, a multinational conglomerate with businesses in the plantation, property, industrial equipment, motors and logistics sectors.
The collaboration will facilitate the penetration of Malaysian halal products into the One Belt One Road (OBOR) network for wider market reach in Northern and Western regions of China, as well as neighbouring countries.
WSD's close proximity to the OBOR network provides an added advantage to the "halal corridor" with links to Muslim regions in China, making it the gateway for import and export of halal products. As part of the MOU, HDC will share its expertise and offer training and consultancy services to WSD.
This joint effort is expected to benefit Malaysian exporters in expanding their halal businesses worldwide.
According to HDC CEO Datuk Seri Jamil Bidin, Malaysia's halal exports grew by 7.1% to RM42.18 billion in 2016. Total exports to China amounted RM5.4 billion and was featured as the largest export markets in 2016. Halal export is expected to grow 5 to 6% this year. Malaysia exports cosmetics & personal care, food & beverage, palm oil derivatives, pharmaceuticals, Halal ingredients and industrial chemicals to China.
The MoU was signed by Jamil, and WSD chairman Timothy Lee Chi Tim.