Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC), received the 'Halal Industry Development Award' during the Global Islamic Finance Awards Gala 2016 held in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Sept 29.

“This award is an international recognition for HDC for its works in developing Malaysia’s halal industry,” HDC chief executive officer Jamil Bidin said.

“Realising the vast potential of the halal industry, our relentless efforts in developing this industry started in 2006 when HDC was established.

“We embarked on the Halal Industry Development Master Plan (HIMP) 2008-2020, aiming to drive halal as a new source of economic growth. This is in line with the government’s efforts to diversify our economic activities,” Jamil said.

Established on Sept 18, 2006, the HDC coordinates the overall development of the halal industry in Malaysia.It is an agency under the International Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti).

He said credit also goes to former prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who was instrumental in providing leadership to promote the halal agenda in Malaysia and also throughout the world.

Jamil said Malaysia and HDC would not rest on their laurels and would continue to be committed towards developing the halal sector and intensifying high valued-added activities within the industry.

The country spotted the potential of the halal economy very early on, and over the decades has nurtured a halal eco-system that has placed Malaysia in the forefront of this burgeoning industry.

Malaysia is also committed in the pursuit of the Halal Agenda and this is reflected through the formation of the National Halal Council which is chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, he said.

“Our approach is holistic, our mission is singular: to make Malaysia the leading Global Halal Hub. Receiving this award is so much meaningful as HDC celebrates its 10th anniversary this year,” Jamil added.

- Bernama