17 MAY – A catalytic development to spur the growth of Halal trade within the countries along the One Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) of China, was achieved on 17 May 2019, by the signing of the collaboration agreement to form a Consortium in the Food Industry.
The Malaysia-China-Singapore Consortium was initiated by Halbiz International Sdn Bhd, a government linked company under the Religious body of Johor, led by Dr Mohidin Yahya, the Chief Executive Officer. It aims to form a wholistic integrated services within the Halal Food Chain that covers Halal Certification and Verification services, Training & Consultancy, Trade and adoption of Internet of Things (IOT) applications throughout the Farm to plate Value Chain.
The counterparts in China is led by Mr Ding Hou Fei, Chairman of Shanghai Alif Investment & Development Co, a leading Halal Ecosystem provider. The Consortium is further strengthened by the partnership with Mr Zengyu Hui, Chairman of Shandong Huifa Group Co, a public listed Food company , which the Consortium hopes to be the model for Halal implementation in China. Mr Zengyu Hui is also Vice-Charman of China National Food Industry Association, Refrigerated Frozen Foods Committee.
The integrated framework of Internet of Things (IOT) throughout the Farm to Plate Value Chain, is provided by Haltex Groupβs R&D Division based in Singapore . Haltex Group is represented by Mr Mohammad Azul Shah, the Director for Asia Pacific. This international company has more than 20 years experienced in Halal Value Chain with its notable international accomplishment in establishing the Global Halal Alliance platform that was launched in Grand Hyatt Hotel Singapore during Food Vision Asia 2016, that includes international expertise involving private and public enterprises across multiple countries collaborating in Halal Ecosystem development. The main aim of which is to Build Infrastructure, Removing Barriers to Halal Trade and Linking Markets for Global Halal Trade. These objectives are consistent with the Allianceβs Motto of Halal is for Everyone. The successful formation of this Consortium will enhance the Objectives of Global Halal Alliance in implementing its wholistic Ecosystem throughout the BRI initiatives under the Halal food program.
The Consortium has identified key projects for implementation among the countries in Malaysia-China-Singapore as a pilot for BRI implementation. These includes investments and development of Infrastructure for the Halal industry to generate socio-economic benefits for the local economies. The pilot implementation projects have been identified in Johor and China to kickstart the Consortiumβs program in the ASIA region. This inclusive nature of the Consortium has already attracted international support for its services and products among the non-Muslim countries keen to adopt the bandwagon of Halal.