Malaysian Traders Urged To Grab Opportunities In Saudi Arabia

Posted in: Middle East & Africa, Asia
JEDDAH,  - Traders from Malaysia should grab the huge opportunity for them to market much more of their consumer goods, especially halal food products, in Saudi Arabia in light of the growing demand for them, Malaysia's Consul General here, Hidayat Abdul Hamid, said.

Thai Islamic Bank Gives 1.2 Billion Baht in Loans For Halal Manufacturers

Posted in: Asia, Media & Events, Finance & Investment

BANGKOK, -- The Islamic Bank of Thailand (IBT) plans to lend 1.2 billion baht in 2009 to promote halal food and product manufacturings while exploring sukuk or Islamic bonds through "petro money" from Middle East investors. Its chairman Professor Dr Somchai Virunhaphol said the fund for halal manufacturers would then be doubled in two years as there are vast potential to be tapped.


Islamic Banking Gaining Strength, Says Surin Pitsuwan

Posted in: Asia, Finance & Investment
BANGKOK -- The Islamic financing system is expected to grow faster than the previous 15 to 20 percent annually as world economies look at it as an alternative to western models which is in turmoil now, said Asean Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan. Surin said while the world financial system was in turmoil and sending shock waves across the globe, trend in Islamic banking and halal food industry was encouraging and positive.

Bangkok Global Halal Conference 2008

Posted in: Asia, Halal Integrity, Media & Events
The conference was inaugurated by Deputy Prime Minister Olarn Chaipravat, with a keynote address by ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Surin Pitsuwan, on “From Islamic Finance to Halal Products.” Moreover, a seminar was held on “Helal Certification and Cooperation,” “Halal Business and Islamic Finance,” and “Current Halal Research."

Thailand B2.4bn for halal lending

Posted in: Asia, Finance & Investment
The Islamic Bank of Thailand will set aside 2.4 billion baht next year to help finance halal food businesses, according to managing director Dheerasak Suwannayos.