Kuala Lumpur: To expand its market in Muslim countries, South Korea is looking to partner with Malaysian agencies and move into producing more Halal food.
South Korea's Ambassador to Malaysia, Cho Byung-jae, said: Malaysia, as a center of the global Halal food industry, is an ideal target for South Korea as it sets its sights on expanding the Halal market. He said: Considering that the global Halal market was worth USD 1.088 trillion in 2012, South Korea has planned a project to grow its Halal industry index, and expects to go further in the future.
"We believe that South Korea and Malaysia can build a very good partnership in this area (the Halal industry). With South Korea's manufacturing potential and Malaysia's leading position in this respect, if we can combine these two factors, I think we have enormous potential to develop the market further."
Today, after the launch ceremony of the 2015 K-FOOD Fair, he told Bernama: "We are trying to enter the Halal market, and Malaysia is a very important market for our agriculture and food production as we move deeper into West Asian countries."
Cho said that last year South Korea's food exports to Malaysia reached USD 1 million. The 2015 K-FOOD Fair is an exciting and irresistible culinary feast specially tailored by South Korea to cater to the Halal sectors. The 2015 K-FOOD Fair is organized by the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation, officially recognized and established by the Korean Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, with more than ten participants.
Featured dishes include bibimbap (mixed rice), bulgogi (grilled marinated beef) and kimchi (fermented vegetables). The 2015 K-FOOD Fair was held from August 14 to 16 at the Mid Valley Exhibition Centre. Malaysia was the first country to promote the K-FOOD Fair, and this year it has expanded to four other countries, namely China, Vietnam, Indonesia and Dubai (UAE).