ASEAN countries need to tap the global Halal [approved by Muslim authorities] food industry, its Secretary General, Dr Surin Pitsuwan, told the World of Halal Science, Industry and Business International Conference 2011 in Hat Yai, Malaysia.
"The rise in middle-income population gives an opportunity for ASEAN countries to conquer this industry as the world's Halal market stood at $25 trillion, annually.
"More than half of the 600 million populations in this region are Muslims; hence, we are on the right track to produce Halal food.
"ASEAN countries are also known as the kitchen of the world," he said in his keynote speech quoted by Bernama news agency.
"The rise in middle-income population gives an opportunity for ASEAN countries to conquer this industry as the world's Halal market stood at $25 trillion, annually.
"More than half of the 600 million populations in this region are Muslims; hence, we are on the right track to produce Halal food.
"ASEAN countries are also known as the kitchen of the world," he said in his keynote speech quoted by Bernama news agency.