HDC, SMIDEC IN STRATEGIC COLLABORATION WITH NESTLE

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 10 (Bernama) -- Halal Industry Development Corporation
(HDC) and the Small and Medium Industries Development Corporation (SMIDEC) have
entered into a strategic collaboration with Nestle (Malaysia) Bhd to enhance the
capacity and capability of small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs).
Under the collaboration, SMIDEC, via an evaluation system, would identify
and recommend SMEs in the halal industry who can become competent suppliers to
Nestle.
HDC Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Seri Jamil Bidin said the corporation
would assist selected SMEs and Nestle in promoting Malaysia's halal products
internationally.
Speaking at a press conference after the signing of a Memorandum of
Agreement between HDC, SMIDEC and Nestle here today, Jamil said the corporation
would assist Nestle with its on-going halal food development, training and
consultancy programmes for SMEs.
Nestle (Malaysia) Managing Director Sullivan O'Carroll said the company has
about 150 suppliers and 40 were local companies.
"In terms of value, the local companies supplied only 10 per cent of the
raw materials and ingredients to Nestle", O'Carroll said.
Present to witness the signing ceremony were International Trade
and Industry minister, Datuk Mustapa Mohamed and SMIDEC Chairman Datuk Ir.
Mohamed Al Amin Abdul Majid.
Meanwhile, SMIDEC Chief Executive Officer Hafsah Hashim said several
Japanese companies were keen to invest in Malaysia's halal food and beverage
industry.
"One company has begun operations in Johor while SMIDEC is now luring
another five to six Japanese companies to invest in the country", she said.
Habsah also said in order to draw greater SME partcipation, SMIDEC provided
matching grants for the development and promotion of halal products.
As at June 30, 2009, SMIDEC approved 270 applications for a matching grant
of RM15.88 million. -- BERNAMA
WNA VMD