| Fizah HAB |
FOREIGN Halal companies are looking to invest in Brunei Darussalam as they participate in the ongoing Brunei Halal Showcase (BruHAS) 2018 at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas.
One such company joining the five-day showcase is the Department of Trade and Industry of Philippines, which is showcasing its Halal-certified products.
Assistant Division Chief Head, Halal Section of the Export Marketing Bureau, Philippines, Albin M Ganchero shared with the Weekend Bulletin that participating in the BruHAS (for the first time) has opened new opportunities for cooperation and partnership with the Brunei Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and allows for the showcasing of its Halal-certified products.
“The Halal Philippines expo showcases products from 1,200 companies, including food, beverages, cosmetics and articles. We are looking into developing Halal-tourism in the Philippines, under the Department of Tourism. In September, we will host a forum on Muslim-friendly tourism in the Philippines.
“The Department of Trade and Industry of Philippines and the Ministry of Energy, Manpower and Industry of Brunei have already signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU),” he said, to a question on future cooperation with Brunei in the Halal industry.
“In fact, we had our first joint committee meeting yesterday. We came up with a detailed plan for the two countries to cooperate with each other, including in areas of bilateral trading. This includes recent talks with Ghanim International Corporation in supplying raw materials and ingredients to produce the Halal-certified products.”
Themed ‘Developing the Halalan Thayyiban Industry Towards Achieving the 2035 National Vision’, BruHAS 2018 demonstrates the wider sphere of the Halal industry economy, including both local and foreign companies from the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and personal care, modest fashion and services sectors.
Participating vendors will showcase their products and services at the ICC daily from 9am to 9pm until August 12. They also have the opportunity to join the business networking and matching session, which will be held today.
The BruHAS Clinic will also be held today from 10am to 4.30pm at Bilik Sepakat 3.
These events are open to the public.