Message From The Chairman Of The Organizing CommitteeAssalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh
“Peace be upon you, with Allah’s Mercy and His Blessings”
With these words of greeting, we welcome you once again to the 4th International Halal Products Expo [IHPE] and the International Halal Market Conference [IHMC].
These twin events are part of our programme to expand regional business networks and to share our collective knowledge and experience on developments and trends in the Halal industry.
Under the theme "Halal: An Engine of Growth and Opportunity", this year’s events are being organized amidst growing concerns around the world about the global economic crisis, food insecurity, the reality of climate change and the AH1N1 Influenza pandemic.
We believe that Halal has a great contribution to make in providing solutions to those global concerns. For Halal is not only about the way animals are slaughtered or the types of ingredients that are used in preparing food. Halal represents a way of life that brings an awareness of health, safety and an improved quality of life for our families, our societies and our environment.
Halal is essentially a matter of integrity – integrity in our compliance with the parameters of Islamic guidance, and integrity in our dealings in the world.
In Brunei Darusslam, the development of the Halal sector represents three primary concerns: it is a ‘Fardu Kifayyah’ or collective responsibility to provide Halal products and services; it is also a means of economic diversification; and a means of developing our private sector, especially the small and medium sized enterprises or SME’s.
In this respect, the development and promotion of Halal is a matter of central importance for our country, and we have embarked on a series of ambitious Halal sector projects to make our vision a reality.
In these uncertain times, the 4th IHPE and IHMC aim to provide an atmosphere of hope for recovery and an avenue for all stakeholders in the Halal industry to learn about new products, innovative processes and truthful insights into the future of the Halal industry.
Through its Brunei Halal Brand Initiative, Brunei Darussalam will continue to contribute towards elevating Halal to the forefront of safeguarding consumers, businesses, manufacturers and the environment.
On that note, on behalf of the organizing committees, I express our deep and sincere appreciation to all of you for accepting the invitation to participate in this year’s IHPE. May the 4th IPHE and IHMC be another productive and treasured experience for you.
Lastly, please do also take the time and opportunity to experience the many tastes, sights and sounds of Brunei Darussalam. We are, as you will discover, also known as the ‘KINGDOM OF UNEXPECTED TREASURES’.
Finally have a safe journey home and please to take along with you the warmest regards and best wishes of BRUNEI DARUSSALAM, THE ABODE OF PEACE. May your Halal business continue to prosper!
We look forward to your participation in the upcoming IHPE 2010, InsyaAllah.
Wasalam
Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Hamid bin Haji Mohd Jaafar
Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources As Joint-Chairman of the 4th International Halal Product Expo Organizing Committee
Brunei Darussalam
