Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Foreign Ministry) held a Ramadan gathering discussions with the theme of Identification and Mapping of Halal Products Market on Monday (06/07). Held in IPB International Convention Centre in Bogor, discussion about halal certification and halal status of products.

Also present at the opening, Ambassador Yuri O. Thamrin as Director General for Asia Pacific and Africa (Aspasaf) Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He said that the strategy of labeling and certification of halal make a product more ogled as more ‘sexy’ in the eyes of the world. Halal products also in terms of health.

Furthermore, Yuri mention that the halal products will make the product more competitive and acceptable in worldwide. At the same time as a barrier for import product that will go to Indonesia

“It is expected that the discussion can serve as a platform for business people to better understand the halal market in the Asia Pacific region and Africa. Estimated increase in demand for halal products is an opportunity and challenge for domestic businesses, particularly in the face of ASEAN economic market by the end of 2015, so that exports should be improved to obtain foreign exchange for Indonesia, “said Yuri, as reported from halalmui.org (06 / 07).

Deputy Director LPPOM MUI, Ir. Sumunar Teak, was present as one of the panelists. He asserted MUI ready to answer the challenge. This time to obtain the Halal Certificate of MUI very easily with the support of information technology, he added. SH like online registration, information halal products through the application Halal MUI or send short message to 98555 and services QR Code to find halal restaurants.

“MUI halal certification system in addition reinforced by information technology, also accompanied by the completeness of halal standards that have been published by LPPOM known MUI Halal Assurance System (HAS 23000) and has been adopted in 23 countries of the world,” said Sumunar Teak.

He also advised that the manufacturer would not immediately confirm the status of halal products. Certificate and Halal Label has become an important key in lawful trade at home and abroad, especially the Middle East countries and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

The discussion was attended by officials from the participating representatives Aspasaf RI in the region. Among other Indonesian Embassy in Muscat, Colombo, Kuwait, Abuja, Manama, Tashkent, Singapore and the Indonesian Consulate General in Mumbai. In addition to discussing the opportunities and potential in the country, the discussion also brought together 200 companies manufacturers of halal products field of food, beverages, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.