Gov’t aims to beef up halal scene to cash in on market
THE government is placing a higher priority on the halal market to capitalise on buoyant internal and external demand, not only from the Muslim community, but also from non-Muslims worldwide, according to the chairman of the Commission for Examination of Halal Products in Cambodia (CEHP).
Halal products are those deemed permissible under Islamic Law as defined in the religion’s holy book, the Quran. Certification that guarantees halal status, and that no perceived “haram” – or impermissible – ingredients or procedures were used in the manufacturing, processing or handling, is managed by the CEHP.
The commission is under the Ministry of Commerce’s General Department of Consumer Protection, Competition and Fraud Prevention (CCF).
The CEHP held a meeting at the commerce ministry on March 22, attended by minister and commission chairman Pan Sorasak, commission deputy chairman Osman Hassan,
halal product specialists and many ministry officials.
The meeting reviewed a report compiled by the CEHP Secretariat, gathered feedback from stakeholders, and set an action plan for the commission.
Sorasak underscored the importance of “halal work”, calling on relevant parties to spare no effort in exploring innovative and effective methods to ensure the success of the endeavour and that halal products garner the support and trust of people of all walks of life.
He listed a number of key tasks and responsibilities ahead for the CEHP: improve service quality; bolster halalrelated applications; manage registration and certification fees; prepare a draft decision on the re-composition of the commission’s secretariat and halal product specialist team.
Other major assignments are to: build consumer confidence in the integrity of Cambodian halal logos; promote enforcement of pertinent laws and regulation; and raise awareness of halal affairs.
“The term ‘halal’ invokes the idea of exquisite cleanliness and hygiene derived through production in accordance with Islamic laws and regulations,” Sorasak said.
CCF director-general Phan Oun remarked that “so far” 221 halal product applications have been received, and that 196 certificates have been issued to 100 businesses covering 619 items.
He invited businesses wanting to apply for halal certification of products to contact the CCF for a team to examine and verify compliance to the appropriate practices and processes.
Cambodia Chamber of Commerce vice-president Lim Heng told The Post that a set of clear quality standards for halal products and an expansive range of certified offerings could be a selling point to be used by the Kingdom as leverage to attract tourists and investors.
“Good planning and quality control when it comes to halal products will help Cambodia attract more Muslim tourists and more investment in food production to serve domestic demand, and exports will increase accordingly,” he said.