40 representatives from OIC to attend Philippine Halal Assembly: consul

By Joey Aguilar/Staff ReporterSome 40 representatives from the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation (OIC) will attend the Philippine Halal Assembly 2015 from June 3 to 5 in Manila, a senior official of the Philippine embassy has told Gulf Times.“We have also invited officials from the Supreme Council of Health, Qatar Chamber and the Qatari Businessmen Association,” first secretary and consul Gonaranao Musor said.More than 1,000 participants are expected to converge at the “first-of-its-kind” event to be hosted by the Philippines. It will be hosted by the Philippine Department of Science and Technology – Region XII in partnership with the Halal Development Council, a Pakistan-based non-government organisation dedicated to the development of a halal economy.The assembly aims to serve as a venue for unified action and to synergise efforts of agencies of government and the private sector to jump-start the development of the halal industry and enable Philippine products to be accepted in the world market. Musor said seven plenary sessions (Shariah/Islamic Principles, Role of Halal S&T as Engine of Economic Growth and Social Well-Being, Significance of Unified International Halal Standards, Halal Trade Promotion, Importance of Academe/Universities, Halal Eco-Tourism, and Creating Synergies through S&T for Solidarity and Unity (Expert Panel Discussion) will take place at the assembly.It will also include a workshop on OIC SMIIC Unified International Halal Standards and Halal Branding and Marketing.“The event will be a gathering of leaders and heads of agencies and institutions worldwide from the government, industry/business sector, local government units, civil society, other key halal stakeholders, researchers, scientists, technologists, entrepreneurs, and ulamas,” Musor added.