'Gansu emerging halal products mart'

Malaysian halal food and cosmetics producers are well-positioned to establish an early foothold in China's Gansu province as the market is rapidly emerging for halal products.

According to the China Muslim Association, China currently has a Muslim population of about 22 million and its halal products market is estimated at more than RM6.42 billion with an annual growth rate of over 10 per cent.

Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) said in a statement today that its bureau in Chengdu had reported that there were opportunities for Malaysian halal food producers to tie-up with its leading multi-branch department stores and supermarkets.

The partnerships could be on distributing their halal products in order to access the market and meet growing demand for halal products from the province's Muslim population of 2.5 million people, Matrade said.

Matrade said there have been also numerous requests from Chinese retailers and distributors for assistance in halal certification processes.

"There are numerous opportunities in the Gansu province that can be taken advantage of by Malaysian halal enterprises.

"Due to the current lack of products from other Asean countries in these provinces, Malaysian halal products and services have the potential in creating an early market presence and lead," Matrade said.

It said with assistance from Matrade's Chengdu bureau, Malaysian halal companies should aim to create awareness and publicity for their products and services.

There is also growing demand for halal products from the surrounding provinces of Qinghai, Ningxia Hui, Shaanxi and Xinjiang Uyghur, Matrade added.--Bernama