Singapore Government Press Release

SPEECH BY MR ABDULLAH TARMUGI, MINISTER FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND MINISTER-IN-CHARGE OF MUSLIM AFFAIRS, AT THE 4^TH INTERNATIONAL MUSLIM FOOD & TECHNOLOGY EXHIBTION (IMFEX 97) AND ASIA CONSUMER GOODS & TOURISM FAIR (ACTF 97) THURSDAY, 4 SEP 97, 10.00 AM, EXPO HALL 1 WORLD TRADE CENTRE

Hj A Jalil Haron,

President Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce & Industry & Adviser to the 4^th International Muslim Food & Technology Exhibition (IMFEX 97) cum the 2^nd Asia Consumer Goods & Tourism Fair (ACTF 97)

Your Excellencies

Distinguished guests

Ladies and gentlemen

Let me first extend a warm welcome to all foreign participants to Singapore.

I wish to congratulate the Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry for its effort in organising this 4^th International Muslim Food & Technology Exhibition (IMFEX 97) again, this time simultaneously with the 2^nd Asia Consumer Goods & Tourism Fair (ACTF 97) in collaboration with PT Bank Muamalat Indonesia.

I am very happy to note that the SMCCI had managed to attract more than 185 booths to these exhibitions which I am told, compares favourably with the previous exhibitions organised by the Chamber. More and more participants from new emerging markets from all over the world are taking part each time the exhibition is organised by SMCCI. This is despite uncertain fluctuations of the currencies in the region. It is also heartening to note that the SMCCI is still receiving delegations from South Africa, Belgium, America, China, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and other parts of the world.

There is a growing market for halal food in this region. With economic growth and rising affluence, Muslims in the region travel abroad more on holidays and on business thus exposing themselves to the cuisines of the counties they visit. They are thus exposed to a larger variety of food and more adventurous in trying new tastes and different preparations. Ensuring that halal ingredients and processes are utilised in cuisines previously prohibited would open these cuisines to Muslims and thus expand the market for such foods.

In Singapore alone, the growth of halal food establishments in the last decade has been tremendous. The main fast food establishments like MacDonalds, Burger King and Kentucky Fried Chicken now serve halal food. While this move has not affected taste and quality these outlets are also now accessible to Muslim customers. Establishments serving halal Chinese, Western and Thai food are now a common sight. In 1990 the Muslim Religious Council (MUIS) issued halal certificates to 19 eating establishments. Last year 271 certificates were issued or more than 10 times the number in 1990. The potential market for halal food in Singapore alone is considerable.

With more international exhibitors and visitors drawn to these exhibitions, Singapore is an ideal platform and meeting place for international entrepreneurs to market their products, services and technology to the consumers. Visitors to the exhibitions would have the opportunity to keep abreast with new products and technology in the field of Halal food. The IMFEX/ACTF exhibitions are increasingly being recognised worldwide.

The efforts of the SMCCI in increasing the level of awareness on the concept and range of ‘Halal’ food to the Muslim and non-Muslim consumers and entrepreneurs both locally and internationally as well as creating a global niche for it through the IMFEX/ACTF exhibitions are highly commendable. In the near future, Singapore would be poised to become a hub for the Halal food market. I would like to take this opportunity today to urge the SMCCI to continue its efforts in organising such exhibitions which, at the same time, would help increase the opportunities for the Malay/Muslim business community in Singapore and draw them to the mainstream of the Singapore economy.

I am also pleased to note that the SMCCI would be introducing this exhibition concept regionally and globally. From next year, this concept would be exported to Indonesia and the surrounding regions of Asean. It hopes to introduce the concept soon to Europe and the Far East in stages. I wish SMCCI every success in its endeavours to promote the International Muslim Food and Technology Exhibition abroad. This is a big step forward towards regionalisation and globalisation.

I hope this exhibition will provide you with ample opportunities to meet and network with other businessmen and utilise our excellent communication facilities to follow up on your contacts, discussions and consultations. SMCCI should be in a better position to advise on the needs of and opportunities in the local and regional halal food markets. It should also develop capability and expertise in playing the role of intimidiary and facilitator in the regional halal food market given the religious affiliation and language ability of its members.

I wish all the exhibitors and participants all the best and every success. I hope you will benefit from this exhibition. On this note, it is indeed my pleasure to declare the 4^th International Muslim Food and Technology Exhibition and the 2^nd Asia Consumer Goods and Tourism Fair officially open.