November 7, 2006

ASEAN countries to set up joint poultry company for halal exports

Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia and the Philippines are planning to jointly form a halal poultry export company to target exports to the Middle East.

Of these nations, Brunei is the only one currently licensed to export halal chicken to the Middle East.

The formation of the joint export company was on the agenda for the upcoming Eastern Asean Growth Area (EAGA) meeting, Indonesian trade official I Wayan Suwarja said.

While poultry breeders are interested in exporting their products to the region, the lack of a license has so far hampered trade. The joint halal poultry company would be able to overcome the limitation, he added.

Although the plan it in its infancy, it has received enthusiastic response from the other nations, Wayan said.