Latest news with #Halal
CBC
4 days ago
- Business
- CBC
Eby eyes increased trade potential with Malaysia in 10-day trip to Asia
Social Sharing Malaysia is far from being one of British Columbia's top trading partners, but Agriculture Minister Lana Popham says the country is being included in an Asian trade tour as part of a bid to diversify trade away from the United States. Premier David Eby, Popham, B.C.'s parliamentary secretary for Asia-Pacific trade, Paul Choi, and business leaders leave Sunday on the 10-day mission that will also include Japan and South Korea. It's Eby's second trip to Asia since becoming premier in late 2022. Popham acknowledged that B.C. does not trade a lot with Malaysia now. "But that is why we are going there," she said Wednesday. "They have let us know that they are interested in trading." According to government figures, B.C. agricultural exports to Malaysia totalled $10.7 million in 2024 with total trade to Malaysia totalling $162 million, a far cry from the $5.6 billion worth of trade with Japan and $3.6 billion with South Korea. Asked at a technical briefing on the trip why Malaysia was included, staff pointed to the southeast Asian nation's demographics, with a population that is still growing and is younger than either South Korea or Japan. Malaysia also currently chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, a continental trading bloc with which Canada is currently negotiating a free trade deal. Focus on food Popham added that the delegation to the largely Muslim country will visit a Halal food exhibition. "We have a lot of producers who are producing Halal food, so we are going to see how we can expand that and open up opportunities." The technical briefing heard that Japan, with a population of 123 million, ranks third among B.C.'s trading partners, accounting for 10.4 per cent of exports, while South Korea with a population of 52 million ranks fourth, accounting for about 6.6 per cent. Malaysia, with a population of 34 million, ranks 16th. The tour is not including mainland China because it has imposed tariffs on Canadian food, including B.C. shellfish. Popham's presence points to one of the specific goals of the trade mission — raising the profile of B.C. food products. She said the delegation will visit a large fish market in Osaka, Japan's second-largest city. Other stops will include food retailers in Japan and South Korea, Popham added. Popham said now is a "critical time" for B.C. to find customers for its agricultural products.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Popular M'sian bakery denies alcohol in cakes
LAVENDER Bakery Malaysia has issued an official response following viral social media posts alleging that its cakes contain alcohol, sparking concerns among Muslim customers. The controversy began when a Threads user, @hazirahanapi, shared a screenshot claiming that a bakery employee had informed a customer that the cakes contained wine. ALSO READ: Pastry company, director charged with using halal logo without approval Another similar claim surfaced on Facebook through a post by Amin Shukor, further fuelling public worry over the bakery's halal status. In response, Lavender released an official statement on May 27 denying the claims. 'We are aware of recent claims and discussions on social media regarding the Halal status and ingredient content of our products. We would like to take this opportunity to provide a clear and accurate clarification. 'Lavender Bakery is not Halal-certified, and we have not represented ourselves as such,' it said in a statement. 'However, we want to assure our customers that the ingredients we use such as butter, oil, cheese, and sausages are all sourced from Halal-certified suppliers. 'We also want to address recent concerns regarding alcohol content in our products. We firmly clarify that our bakery items do not contain any alcohol. 'Any comments suggesting otherwise are inaccurate. We operate under a strict 'No Pork, No Lard, No Alcohol' policy,' it highlighted. 'Additionally, we hold HACCP certification, which reflects our ongoing commitment to maintaining the highest standards of food safety and hygiene throughout our operations. 'We acknowledge and appreciate the public's suggestion to apply for Halal certification through official verification channel, Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM). 'We truly appreciate this thoughtful suggestion and will carefully consider it as we strive to enhance our service and customer trust. 'Thank you for your continued support and understanding,' the statement read.
The Star
5 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Vietnam tuna exports to halal markets rise, but more supporting policies needed
Vietnamese fishermen unload ocean tuna. - VNA/VNS HANOI: The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (Vasep) said that the country's tuna exports to Halal markets such as the Middle East, Malaysia, Brunei are on the rise. The association believes that the halal market is a great opportunity for the tuna industry. Specifically, the country's tuna exports to the Middle East have been on the rise in the past four years. Export turnover to this market has increased from US$83 million in 2021 to $113 million last year, an increase of 35 per cent. Although geopolitical instability has affected tuna exports to the Middle East market, this market block is still highly appreciated as a potential market for Vietnamese tuna. Tuna exports to other halal markets such as Malaysia and Brunei are also increasing, by 36 per cent and 24 per cent respectively last year. Currently, more than two billion Muslims live in 112 countries and territories, accounting for 25 per cent of the world's population, concentrated in Asia (62 per cent), especially in the Asean bloc. The Asia-Pacific region, home to the world's largest Muslim population, consumes more than 63 per cent of global halal products, becoming the centre of this dynamic market. With its strategic location, Vietnam is considered an important gateway to penetrate this large market. Strict halal standards and complex certification systems are also significant challenges for businesses. To make it easier for Vietnamese goods to access this market, the Vietnam Trade Office in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) recommended that Vietnam improve its legal system on halal, including developing national standards and certification processes in line with international requirements. At the same time, the trade office suggested strengthening co-operation in the halal field between Vietnam and the UAE, especially the issuance of certificates according to UAE halal standards. It was forecast that Vietnamese halal products would face fierce competition with similar products from countries with many years of experience and prestige in this field. Vasep believes that Vietnam needs to have specific supporting policies, including prioritising budget resources for production and certification, boosting trade promotion and training specialised human resources in halal. At the same time, there needs to be reputable intermediary organisations to help businesses in the certification process and comply with regulations in export markets. Regarding this issue, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính requested the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoF), according to their assigned functions and tasks, to do research into developing a plan to promote Halal food exports. "This will be an opportunity for Vietnamese tuna businesses to expand their export markets in the context of difficulties in exporting to major markets such as the US and EU," noted Vasep. — Vietnam News/ANN
Business Mayor
7 days ago
- Health
- Business Mayor
COMSTECH reaffirms commitment to advancing science and technology in Africa on African Day – Associated Press of Pakistan
– Advertisement – ISLAMABAD, May 25 (APP):COMSTECH, the OIC Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation Sunday extended its heartfelt solidarity and congratulations to African nations on the occasion of African Day and reaffirmed its deep commitment to strengthening science, technology, and innovation across the African continent. Since its establishment, COMSTECH has played a pivotal role in promoting scientific collaboration among OIC member states, with Africa as a key focus. Under the leadership of Coordinator General Prof. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary, during the last five years, COMSTECH has launched a wide array of initiatives aimed at building capacity, supporting research, enhancing health systems, and empowering youth and women throughout Africa. In his special message for African Day, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary stated,'Africa is not only a continent of vast potential and rich heritage. It is the future of global innovation. At COMSTECH, we are committed to harnessing the power of science and technology to enable sustainable development, nurture local talent, and build resilient communities throughout Africa.' COMSTECH's efforts have included hands-on training workshops in renewable energy, biotechnology, information and communication technologies, and environmental sciences. Through partnerships with institutions like TWAS, the University of Lahore, ICCBS, and HUCM, hundreds of African scholars have been awarded fully funded research fellowships, technical training, and academic degrees in Pakistan. In addition to academic support, COMSTECH has strengthened scientific research across Africa by funding collaborative projects that unite African universities with counterparts across the OIC. These projects tackle pressing challenges such as food security, public health, and climate resilience. Scientific conferences and seminars held in Nigeria, Ethiopia, and other countries have facilitated knowledge exchange and fostered long-term institutional partnerships. COMSTECH has also taken significant steps to improve health systems in African nations. A comprehensive five-year action plan includes disease surveillance training, health policy workshops, and virtual health networks. In cooperation with the Islamic Development Bank and LRBT, COMSTECH has organized cataract surgery camps in Niger, Chad, and Somalia, trained ophthalmologists in managing diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma, and conducted specialized workshops on topics including leishmaniasis, neurology, and histopathology in cities such as Addis Ababa, Kampala, and Mogadishu. Efforts to support infrastructure development have led to the establishment of centres of excellence and Halal authentication laboratories, most notably at the Islamic University in Uganda and the provision of advanced scientific instruments in Mauritania and Chad. COMSTECH's expert missions have also helped restore and operationalize critical laboratory equipment. Women and youth are at the heart of COMSTECH's programs. Through mentorship schemes, scholarships, and the COMSTECH Youth Leadership Training initiative, young African professionals are brought to Islamabad to work on science and technology policy solutions. In Nigeria, a COMSTECH-IsDB initiative has advanced citrus processing technologies, while in The Gambia, a partnership with the Al-Khwarizmi Institute has resulted in the launch of a Master's in Computer Science curriculum and an ICT vocational training center. Between 2022 and 2024 alone, more than 70 African awardees benefited from fellowships and targeted programs, including those for Least Developed Countries (LDCs). To date, over 161 individuals from OIC and non-OIC African states have been supported through COMSTECH's diverse educational and training initiatives. Moreover, COMSTECH has covered travel costs for over 40 African scholars to participate in major conferences on topics such as neglected tropical diseases, precision agriculture, natural product chemistry, and water resource management. Under the COMSTECH-Gourmet Industrial Internship Program, young researchers from African countries were placed in various departments of the leading food industry of Pakistan, and more would be placed on a yearly basis. These wide-ranging and impactful initiatives reflect COMSTECH's unwavering commitment to advancing scientific capacity, fostering innovation, and enabling sustainable development across Africa through dedicated cooperation and strategic support.
See - Sada Elbalad
25-05-2025
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
U.S.-Egypt Policy Leaders Forum Kicks Off in Cairo with Strong Emphasis on Investment, Private Sector Empowerment
Ahmed Emam The U.S.-Egypt Policy Leaders Forum kicked off in Cairo, bringing together top government officials and senior executives to advance economic cooperation and investment opportunities between the two nations. The two-day forum, hosted at the Four Seasons Nile Plaza, features the participation of Egyptian Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, nine cabinet ministers — including the full economic team — and the head of the General Authority for the Suez Canal Economic Zone. Leading the discussions was Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Eng. Hassan El-Khatib, who delivered a keynote address outlining Egypt's bold reform agenda aimed at enhancing the country's investment climate and empowering the private sector as a driver of sustainable growth. 'The business environment in Egypt is becoming increasingly stable and attractive for American investors,' El-Khatib stated. 'Our government is committed to building a predictable, transparent ecosystem that encourages long-term investments.' He detailed a suite of recent economic reforms, including the adoption of a flexible exchange rate, regulatory streamlining, and the launch of a pilot digital platform offering over 380 licensing services to facilitate business operations. El-Khatib also announced that Egypt will soon unveil a new trade policy by the end of June, designed to reduce foreign trade transaction costs and time by up to 75%, positioning Egypt more competitively on the global stage. The minister highlighted measures to modernize Egypt's tax system, reduce non-tax burdens on companies, and consolidate fee-collecting agencies to reduce bureaucracy and improve transparency. Furthermore, he noted that Egypt has recently approved the recognition of U.S.-certified Halal certificates and slashed related fees by up to 50% to streamline market access for American goods. Reaffirming Egypt's commitment to free trade and private sector engagement, El-Khatib said the government is transferring state-owned assets to the Sovereign Fund of Egypt to maximize their value and create new public-private partnerships, in line with the structural reform agenda. 'Egypt is a uniquely positioned investment hub with modern infrastructure, a skilled labor force, and a diversified economy,' El-Khatib said, citing over \$550 billion invested in infrastructure over the past decade. He pointed to promising sectors such as renewable energy, healthcare, tourism, and information technology as priority areas for collaboration. The forum hosts a high-level U.S. delegation comprising 79 executives representing 51 major American companies, alongside representatives from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Bank. The event reflects the strategic depth of U.S.-Egypt relations and underscores the shared commitment to strengthening direct dialogue between policymakers and investors. As Egypt advances its reform program, the forum serves as a platform to explore new avenues for trade, investment, and economic partnership. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies
