KUALA LUMPUR: The Halal Development Corporation Bhd (HDC) is taking the 2023 World Halal Business Conference (WHBC) to London to strengthen Malaysia's halal branding.
Under the theme "Halal Opportunities in a Borderless World," it will be the second event abroad after WHBC Melbourne last year.
Chairman Khairul Azwan Harun said Malaysia's halal branding is very strong and is recognised by 84 certification bodies from 47 countries. Hence, to sustain and expand it further, there is a need to hold it outside Malaysia.
"WHBC Circuit in London will centre on three key pillars, which are investment promotion, trade negotiations, and nurturing halal skilled talents.
"We will address pressing industry challenges with a view to fostering wealth creation and promoting halal business opportunities among industry players," he said during the 2023 WHBC meet and greet event today (October 2).
The 2023 WHBC Circuit, now in its 15th edition, will also meet with players via a series of initiatives involving major industry stakeholders to sustain momentum following the event.
Khairul Azwan said the halal world market, currently estimated at about US$3 trillion (RM14 trillion), will grow to US$5 trillion (RM24 trillion) in 2030.
To tap this vast and lucrative market, Malaysia has set to expand its halal economy contribution to RM230 billion in 2030, or 10.8 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), from last year's RM60 billion.
On another note, Khairul Azwan said the United Kingdom (UK) and Malaysia have a robust trading and investment relationship built on mutual recognition.
The conference will explore opportunities for collaboration across various sectors, including food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, supply-chain, financial services, technology and Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) sectors, he said.
The 2023 WHBC Circuit also seeks to extend Malaysia's halal diplomacy abroad and reaffirms its commitment to fortify the global halal ecosystem, he said.
In a statement today, HDC said the conference is expected to attract 500 participants from the UK, Europe, Malaysia, Singapore, Turkiye and OIC countries.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will officiate the event and deliver the keynote address.
HDC's Halal Training Institute will conduct several sessions to raise halal practice awareness and update on the halal certification process during the event.
The Halal Industry Field Trip Programme will facilitate knowledge exchange between Malaysian entrepreneurs and their UK counterparts, it added. – BERNAMA