The inaugural World Halal Forum was a major success. The Prime Minister of Malaysia and Chairman of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC), Datuk Seri Haji Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, presented his vision for the role of the Halal industry in Malaysia and in the OIC nations. One key element for success will be the Halal Industry Development Corporation, or HDC.

A total of 914 participants from industry, media, NGOs, and government gathered for three days and opened a new era for the Halal industry. An extensive and well-coordinated media and PR campaign resulted in an unprecedented RM6 million in media value in print, TV and online coverage.

WHF 2007 produced results. Two resolutions were unanimously adopted by the Forum that will change the face of the Halal industry by

a) creating an International Halal Industry Alliance to give the industry a unified voice and focus, and

b) lobbying for the creation of a fund to promote the Halal industry among OIC nations and Muslim minorities around the world.

The prospects for the World Halal Forum 2008 are extremely exciting. Initial response indicates that it will be significantly bigger and more influential than in 2007, with greater participation and recognition from relevant governments.

If you are in the Halal industry, you will have to be in Kuala Lumpur on the 12th and the 13th of May 2008. We look forward to welcoming you to what is shaping up to be an exceptional event. 

The World Halal Forum, established in 2006 has become part of the government of Malaysia’s 15 year plan to become the worlds halal hub. In its inaugural year of 2006, the World Halal Forum established it’s place as the most significant event of the Halal industry calendar. For the first time market leaders from all sectors of the Halal market value chain gathered to discuss and address the issues facing this developing market sector.

The event was positioned as a global Forum for the industry and government players in the halal market. It has been intended from the outset of the WHF to have a comprehensive global reach, and at the same time to strategically position Malaysia at the focal point of the halal industry. The halal chapter in the 3rd Industrial Master Plan prepared by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry in 2006 cited the World Halal Forum is to be held in Malaysia as an annual event.

The keynote address was delivered by YAB Dato Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Prime Minister of Malaysia.