A cargo ship is docked at the Muara port. The government says there are a lot of opportunities in the halal services sector, which includes halal logistics and transportation, halal IT services and Islamic finance. Picture: BT/Rudolf Portillo
OPPORTUNITIES abound in the halal services sector, which includes Islamic finance, halal logistics and transportation, and halal IT services, now that the halal market is attracting global interests, the government yesterday said.
In a press statement, the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources (MIPR) said the global halal market offers “a spectrum of opportunities for the imaginative and industrious entrepreneur to take advantage of the surge in interest and demand for halal products and services”.
“The halal market clearly offers real opportunities to companies that are involved in the food-related industries. However, these opportunities are not just limited to food manufacturing and production.
“The services sector within the halal market also offers significant opportunities to take advantage of the surge in interest, awareness and demand for halal goods and services,” the MIPR said.
To help Bruneian companies, particularly small and medium enterprises (SME), take advantage of these opportunities, the ministry will hold a workshop under the “Brunei Small and Medium Enterprises Halal Workshop Series” on March 3.
Developed by the Enterprise Development Centre under the ministry, the workshop will bring together a group of presenters and facilitators with first-hand experience on how to succeed in this new market.
Speakers include Rushdi Ibrahim, founder of Mimit eTechnology and Noel Shield, acting chief executive officer of Ghanim International Food Corp Sdn Bhd.
The ministry said that the workshop will help local SMEs, which have a very important role to play in the success of Brunei’s halal agenda, cope with problems and challenges that they might encounter while developing their products and business.
“SMEs that are aiming to prepare their products and services for the export markets face a series of real and often daunting challenges. Developing a business requires a combination of many skills and the ability to make the most of both material and human resources,” said the ministry.
“Training, awareness and human resource development are key components to building a successful business … Above all, small business owners need a strong determination to succeed, and an ability to overcome obstacles and turn challenges into opportunities,” it added.
The ministry added that Brunei is building a reputation within the global Halal market, and the development of the halal industry is a matter of “not only economic importance but also of national pride and identity”. The Brunei Times
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