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XINAN (China): Shandong, a leading agriculture and industrial province in China, has expressed interest in Malaysia’s proposal to develop its halal sector further and to encourage its industries to invest in Malaysia’s halal industrial parks.

This show of support for the Malaysian proposal came after a business delegation led by Lawrence Low, political secretary to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, presented facts and data on the huge potential in the global halal market and how China could benefit from Malaysia’s experience in halal certification.

“We are keen on your proposal to cooperate in halal industrial parks. We can explore opportunities. If Malaysia can come out with the right formula on terms and conditions, we will mobilise our entrepreneurs to Malaysia. This will benefit both countries,” said Li Rong, deputy director-general of Shandong Foreign Affairs Office, in her summing up speech at the end of the meeting yesterday with the Malaysian delegation.

Li then directed Shandong deputy chief of commerce division Kong Tao to follow up on the Malaysian proposal.

She said that they were also keen to invite Malaysian officials dealing with halal affairs to train Shandong officials and industries.

The meeting also heard that Sime Darby Bhd is planning to set up a halal industrial park and a halal port in Weifang in the north of Shandong Province.

The company’s halal port and halal industrial zone, when launched, will be the first of their kind in China.

Sime Darby (China) Co Ltd’s head of marketing and logistics Lai Ah Chek said, “I wish to announce that Sime Darby will be setting up a halal industrial park and port in the near future. Shandong industries are welcome to set up base at our place.”

Earlier, Low told Chinese officials that SMEs involved in halal products in Malaysia are keen to partner with SMEs in China to go global and open up more markets.

“In China your SMEs can help our SMEs to explore opportunities along the one-belt-one-road route, and if you come to Malaysia to invest we can be your gateway to the Asean market of 620 million and to TPPA countries as Malaysia is a signatory to TPPA,” he said.

After the meeting, Low told The Star, “This is the biggest achievement for our business trip so far. A government at provincial level has made a commitment to cooperate with us in the halal area.”

The group comprising Malaysian officials, SMEs, Sime Darby’s Lai and officials from the Halal Development Corporation is on a 11-day business trip in China to seek opportunities.

Source: http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2016/05/18/shandong-keen-to-develop-halal-smes/