In a landmark development between two sister institutions of science and research, National Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFSAT) at University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF), Pakistan and the Halal Science Center of Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for exploring new avenues in the field of Halal food science through joint academic and personnel development programmes.
UAF delegation headed by Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmed Khan had flown to Bangkok to ink the MoU. The signing ceremony was held in Bangkok and attended by Halal Science Center Bangkok Associate Director Prof Dr Winai Dahlan, Chulalongkorn, University Vice President Prof Dr Kuea Wongboonsin, UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan, NIFSAT Director Prof Dr Faqir Muhammad Anjum and Director External Linkages Prof Dr Asif Ali.
The memorandum of understanding will give an opportunity to Thailand to introduce their Halal food products in Pakistani markets. Although Pakistan is aiming to become a global center of Halal trade, the country still represents a high-potential market for Thai Halal food industry thanks to its sizable population, active consumption and strong interest in high-quality products.
“In signing this agreement, Pakistan has helped underline that Thailand’s leadership in Halal science as well as the superb quality of Thai Halal food, which comes accompanied with the slogan ‘Halal Science Thailand Signature’”, said Dr Iqrar Ahmed on returning from Bangkok. “Pakistan appreciated the lead taken by the Chulalongkorn University for establishing Halal Science Centre for promoting training, research, certification and services in Halal food”, he acknowledged.
He said that the Halal foods not only have a value for Muslims but also for the world at large as Halal symbolises healthy and safe food. He emphasised that collaboration with NIFSAT, UAF will be of mutual interest to Thailand counterpart and will surely expand opportunities for capacity building, joint forums, collaborative funding and Halal food business for both sides.
Major General (r) Farooq, Syed Zafar Ali Shah, Commercial Councilor, Embassy of Pakistan, Bangkok also contributed their views underscoring the importance of MoU. The vice president of Chulalongkorn University and a senior representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thailand also expressed support for the MoU.
Today, the global Halal food market is valued at approximately $600 billion with plenty of potential for further growth. Thus, the market represents a strong economic opportunity for the Thai government, which has lent the industry valuable support in developing a world-class Halal logistics system. “Thailand is currently the world’s sixth largest exporter of Halal food, accounting for $5 billion in international trade and responsible for providing food to 1.8 billion Muslims in over 157 nations,” said Chulalongkorn University Halal Science Center Director Dr Winai Dahlan.
As a large Islamic nation with strong agricultural potential, Pakistan is seeking to become a leading player in Halal food exports with particular focus on ME markets.
