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Malaysia’s efforts to become a hub
for distribution of halal products received a
timely boost from the recent visit by The Port
of Rotterdam, the only certified European Halal
port which offered to work closely with Port
Klang to extend its outreach to European Muslim
markets.
The assurance was given by the Port of Rotterdam
delegation headed by Rotterdam city vice mayor,
Roelf de Boer which visited Port Klang,
including the halal logistics centre operated by
MISC Integrated Logistics (MILS) Sdn Bhd in the
Port Klang Free Commercial Zone.
De Boer said Port of Rotterdam which was already
handling an estimated 250,000 TEUs in direct
trade with Malaysia, expects its new warehouse
set to become the European Halh Hub Distribution
Centre to facilitate the storage and
distribution of halal products, to be
operational next year.
“We find that Malaysia’s efforts to become a hub
for distribution of halal products are matched
by its seriousness and very systematic in
approach and this gives us the opportunity to
foster greater links to expand on the identified
areas,” he said.
During the visit, de Boer and his team met with
MILS and port terminal operators, including
Westport and Northport to asses and explore
opportunities to work together.
“We are impressed with the steps taken to
develop the halal hub at Port Klang,” said de
Boer.
De Boer said the Port of Rotterdam is
collaborating with Hecny Group and Vat Logistics
from the Netherlands to develop the 13 million
euro.
Rotterdam, the only port in Europe with halal
certification, hopes to tap into the Muslim
markets as well as the non-Muslim segments as
the halal products have certain standards and
fulfill the requirements needed.
Meanwhile, the Netherlands Ambassador to
Malaysia Lody Embretchs at a reception held in
conjunction with the visit of the port
delegation at the Port Information Centre in
Klang, said his country was keen to expand the
scope of trade relations with Malaysia.
He said Rotterdam offered immense opportunities
for Malaysian exporters to reach out to inland
markets in Europe. |
