London, (27th October 2023) – Another milestone in the Halal industry’s calendar, the 15th World Halal Business Conference Circuit (WHBC) 2023, has commenced in London. Organised by Malaysia’s Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) and Halal Development Corporation Berhad (HDC), this conference is a global convergent point for thought leaders in the Halal sector to exchange ideas and knowledge.
Themed “Halal Opportunities in a Borderless World,” WHBC Circuit 2023 steps into the limelight, scrutinising worldwide Halal industry trends, tackling challenges, and unearthing emerging opportunities. It networks various industry sectors, providing an avenue for Halal industry stakeholders to synergise and foster growth.
The inaugural day was marked by an insightful speech from Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister, The Right Honourable Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He highlighted Malaysia’s pivotal role in the Halal industry’s expanded growth, endorsing the concept of ‘Halal Diplomacy’, vital for bolstering international ties and enabling systematic collaboration among global Halal economies.
WHBC Circuit 2023 chalked up three noteworthy achievements. To begin with, the synergy between HDC and the Malaysian Palm Oil Certification Council (MPOCC) underscores their resolve towards sustainable Halal industry practices, increasing transparency and boosting ethical standards.
Next, the Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister disclosed a substantial RM2.67 billion (£459 million) financial facility backed by international and Malaysian banks along with other financial institutions. This fiscal injection is poised to speed up advancements, enhance global competitiveness, and open doors to new markets for Halal businesses.
Lastly, Malaysia’s commitment to intensifying its Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) was highlighted, underlining plans for high-skilled job creation, thus fostering a proficient workforce capable of answering the Halal industry’s ever-growing requisites.
Halal Development Corporation (HDC) Chairman, Mr. Khairul Azwan Harun, further elaborated on these strategic shifts during his address, i.e., nurturing a durable and sustainable Halal industry through investment, trade, and innovation.
The two-day WHBC Circuit 2023 is filled with numerous networking opportunities, effective sessions, and impactful panels discussing critical topics. HDC has also organised training programs prior to the conference to augment familiarity with Halal practices, update participants on the certification process, and encourage spirited dialogues. The Halal Industry Field Trip Programs has paved the way for information exchanges between Malaysian entrepreneurs and UK businesses, supporting cross-cultural collaborations and exploring fresh opportunities.
As a bellwether in the Halal marketplace, WHBC Circuit 2023 is committed to sustainable and inclusive growth, nurturing innovative solutions, and forming a global community that supports the Halal industry’s prosperous and inclusivity-oriented future.
