“These three sectors are already going strong in Selangor, and we can see incredible potential for growth here,” said Invest Selangor Berhad Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Hasan Azhari Idris.
In an interview with FMT, Hasan said the outlook for the halal industry was extremely positive, with some reports estimating it could likely be worth USD2.6 trillion by 2020.
Selangor, he said, was already a preferred destination for halal industry investments, thanks to the Pulau Indah halal hub, which was conducive for halal product makers and had the supporting infrastructure and initiatives to help establish halal businesses in the state.
On the e-commerce front, Hasan said Invest Selangor aimed to capitalise on the potential of mobile commerce due to the high mobile phone penetration rate in the country, compared to others in the region, including Indonesia and Singapore.
He said the Selangor Information Technology and e-Commerce Council (SITEC), established under Invest Selangor was spearheading the charge to develop the state as the regional trading hub for e-commerce and to cultivate a conducive environment to spur the growth of local start-ups.
“One such initiative was the setting up of the Selangor Digital Creative Centre (SDCC) in Shah Alam, which serves as a platform for start-ups to market their products online.”
“In the span of approximately a year, SDCC has exceeded its initial target of helping 100 merchants go online each year by more than 100 per cent,” he said, adding that as of July, total sales achieved by these businesses had reached RM1.3 million.
Hasan also elaborated on Invest Selangor’s focus on life sciences, and said they were constantly forming local and global partnerships to strengthen the sector.
Furthermore, he said the Selangor Government has announced a proposed Selangor Bio Bay in Pulau Indah, which would consist of a biotech centre with research and development (R&D) facilities, enterprise or industrial areas as well as residential and lifestyle developments.
Hasan said the expo would be the perfect platform for industry players, investors and government agencies to seek out new opportunities for growth, especially in these three key sectors.
He added that exhibitors from China, Taiwan, United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands, Iran and Indonesia had already confirmed their attendance.
“Approximately 90 per cent of this year’s participants are making their debut at the Selangor International Expo 2016.”
Hasan said a number of well-known figures and celebrities would be present at the expo to share their business experience and successes in life to motivate participants.
They include Pasar Tap Chief Operating Officer Azeem Mohamad; FoodAdvisor.my Founder Kenny Hew; D’Herbs Founder Aliff Syukri Kamarzaman; actor Afdlin Shauki; singer and entrepreneur Siti Nurhaliza; renown broadcaster Kudsia Kahar; and celebrity chef Anis Nabilah.
The Selangor International Expo 2016 will be held from Oct 20 to 22 at the Mines International Exhibition and Conference Centre from 10am to 10pm on the first two days and up to 4pm on the last day.
It is open only to trade visitors on Oct 20 and Oct 21. Members of the public may visit the expo on Oct 22.