Xinjiang firms urged to make Johor their Asean gateway

XINJIANG: Johor can become the gateway for Xinjiang-based companies to penetrate the lucrative Asean halal market.

Johor Tourism, Trade and Consumerism Committee chairman Datuk Tee Siew Kiong said its strategic location to neighbouring Singapore gave it a competitive edge and offered vast opportunities within and beyond its shores.

“Apart from that, we have good infrastructure in place as well as recognised halal certification, especially from member countries of the Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation,” he said during a dialogue with representatives from the Xinjiang Halal Traders and Manufacturers Association, here, on Friday.

Asean has a market of 600 million people.

Tee is leading an 11-member delegation comprising representatives from the Johor State Investment Centre, Johor Tourism and Johor Islamic Council to Xinjiang and Gansu until tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Xinjiang Halal Traders and Manufacturers Association chairman Radil Abla said there was a huge potential for Malaysian companies to tap the autonomous region’s halal market.

The Malaysian delegation also held dialogues with representatives from Xinjiang International Exhibition Administration and trade associations. Bernama