The Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Ministry of Health, the co-organizers of the International Halal Products Expo [IHPE], extend their warm welcome to the fourth annual Brunei International Halal Products Expo. In hosting the events of 2009, the organizing committee has gone to great lengths in building upon last year’s IHPE despite the challenges that have arisen from the global economic crisis and the influenza [A H1N1] pandemic.
A regular feature of IHPE is the continuing promotion of the Brunei Halal Brand, which by the nature of its strict compliance and conformance to Syariah requirements and specifications, is a certification that can be trusted by Muslim consumers worldwide. Since the launching by His Majesty The Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam at the 2nd IHPE in August 2007, His Majesty’s government has continued to strengthen the Brunei Halal Brand as a symbol for halal assurance, product quality and safety, good business practices and a significant platform for achieving economic diversification.
Thus far, several milestones have been achieved. Among these are:
All those milestones on the Brunei Halal Brand are part and parcel of what is collectively referred to as the Brunei Halal Brand Initiative.
After the 3rd IHPE in August 2008, the Brunei government pursued several action agenda under the Brunei Halal Brand initiative. Alhamdulillah, progress has been made on several fronts:
The above developments are testament to His Majesty’s commitment in realizing Brunei Darussalam’s aspiration to become a premier international Halal products and services centre. Spearheading that agenda is the IHPE which is an important platform for showcasing the country’s capabilities and commitment to this increasingly valuable market segment.
As one of the two platforms in promoting the Brunei Halal Brand initiative, IHPE 2009 reflects the increasing importance of halal as an emerging global market segment. It complements the International Halal Market Conference [IHMC] 2009. Organized under the theme – "Halal Industry: Engine of Economic Growth and Opportunity", IHMC 2009, which is being held from 1 - 2 August 2009, focuses on the “pivotal role that the halal industry can play as an engine of economic growth and opportunity” during this period of global economic crisis.
Taken together, IHPE and IHMC 2009 will offer opportunities to participants and other stakeholders in the Halal industry to gain knowledge and learn about recent developments in the industry, renew friendships, meet new business contacts, see new products and brands, take advantage of special product promotions. Thus, IHPE and IHMC are Brunei Darussalam’s vehicles for supporting the realization of the country's vision to become a Halal economy.
Perceived in that light, Brunei Darussalam continues to offer a strong business partnership to companies and businesspersons already in the Halal Industry or those wishing to venture into the growing Halal market world wide. Statistics show that IHPE has grown since its inauguration in 2006. First IHPE 2006 featured 73 exhibitors from 10 countries (95 booths) and welcomed 12,506 visitors. In 2007, the figures were doubled to 158 exhibitors from 26 countries (158 booths) and 39,322 visitors. Last year, there were 182 exhibitors from 10 countries, 260 booths and an outstanding 48,522 visitors from 15 countries. This year’s expectations were for 133 exhibitors from 13 countries exhibiting in 266 booths and 53,000 visitors. With the continued support and positive response of partners, entrepreneurs, traders and consumers, this year, the organizers expect another rewarding year for IHPE in spite of the current complexities.
Together, let us Discover, Expand, Profit and Enjoy IHPE 2009.
