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Published on August 7, 2007

Associate professor Dr Winai Dahlan, dean of the Allied Health Sciences Faculty and director of the Business Incubator for Halal Products Centre at Chulalongkorn University, said the Muslim market in Thailand was growing steadily every year, at the rate of 12.47 per cent from 2000 to 2006, generating revenue of Bt11 billion yearly.

Thailand ranks 12th in the world in terms of halal food exports.

Thailand's share of the market in 2006 was US$330 million (Bt11.1 billion) or 0.057 per cent, suggesting an immense potential for food exports to Muslim countries.

The consumption of halal foods is not just limited to the Muslim world but has become widespread in non-Muslim countries, with the major markets being the European Union and the US.

"To date, the Muslim population in the world is estimated at 1.9 billion people, with a rapid growth rate that doubles or triples other populations," Winai said.

"This suggests a shining opportunity for Thailand to expand business in Muslim countries. It is essential to have a clear and correct understanding of halal since it covers a wide range of businesses such as industry, restaurants, tourism, garments, finance, education and much more.

"It is necessary that the government encourage 99 per cent of non-Muslim Thai entrepreneurs to realise the great opportunity for halal products. Thailand's significant advantage is the establishment of the Halal Science Centre, the world's first centre specialising in halal products.

"The centre provides a variety of halal-related services - for instance, thinking process systems, documentation, management and logistics that serve individual needs and comply with halal standards."

The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Thai Chamber of Commerce, Thai-Islamic Trade and Industrial Association and the Halal Science Centre from Chulalongkorn University plan to organise World of Muslim 2007 for the first time in Thailand from September 7-9, at the Impact Exhibition and Convention Centre, Muang Thong Thani, in Bangkok

The objectives are to hold a conference and exhibition to showcase the full capacity and readiness of Thai entrepreneurs, and to create new investment opportunities between Thai and Muslim people.

More than 200 exhibitors from the government and private sectors will set up booths to display halal products.

There are also many interesting seminar topics with support from the Organisation of the Islamic Conference and the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

These two organisations play a crucial role in negotiating trade, business and culture projects for more than 57 Muslim countries around the world.

Participants will greatly benefit from this event as it is expected that more than 15,000 people will attend and will generate Bt400 million in revenue.

TCEB acting director-general Kwanchai Modepradis said the event would strengthen the Thai-Muslim relationship, relationships between the government and the private sector, as well as the rural public, paving the way for a long-term connection on every level.

It also aims to strengthen confidence among foreigners and Muslims in local entrepreneurs' production standards that comply with Islam, in order to expand international trade networks and promote culture and tourism.

The event will demonstrate Thailand's great potential as a professional host of international conventions and exhibitions and will attract entrepreneurs and targets of the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) industry from the Muslim countries.

This event aims to position Thailand as the leading manufacturer and exporter of halal food in Southeast Asia. World of Muslim 2007 offers an unmatched opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking to penetrate halal food markets to demonstrate their capability, strength and confidence in production standards.

Suchat Sritama

The Nation