Industry Dialogue Report Bosnia & Herzegovina Sarajevo 7-9 ...3 Industry Dialogue –Sarajevo,...

Industry Dialogue Report

Bosnia & Herzegovina

Sarajevo – 7-9 November 2007

2 Industry Dialogue – Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina KDSB/2007/11-0014

Table of Contents 1. Executive Summary ........................................................................................................................ 3

2. WHF 2007 Overseas Promotional Tours and Industrial Dialogues ............................................... 4

2.1 Miscellaneous fees -Event Management Fees for Industrial Dialogue, Reconnaissance Trips and Development and Marketing trips – .............................................................................................. 4

2.2 Video & photography Cost ............................................................................................................ 4

2.3 Promotional and Marketing material .............................................................................................. 5

3. Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 5

3.1 ID Summary ................................................................................................................................... 6

3.2 Preliminary Meetings ..................................................................................................................... 6

3.3 Participant Details .......................................................................................................................... 8

3.4 Malaysian Delegation .................................................................................................................... 8

3.3 Industry Dialogue Programme ....................................................................................................... 9

3.4 Post-Event Meetings ................................................................................................................... 10

3.5 Action Items ................................................................................................................................. 11

3.6 Potential Benefits ......................................................................................................................... 12

3.7 Media Coverage .......................................................................................................................... 13

4. Selected Photographs ....................................................................................................................... 16


1. Executive Summary

On 5 November 2007, a Malaysian delegation consisting of three KasehDia/World Halal Forum(WHF) representatives, one Al Bukhary Foundation representative and one MATRADE representative were in Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina for the World Halal Forum Industry Dialogue. KasehDia/WHF representatives remained in Sarajevo until 9th November 2007 taking the opportunity to identify and address issues and concerns relating to the Bosnian halal industry. Bosnia & Herzegovina has long been of strategic interest to Malaysia, demonstrated by a strong investment presence. Malaysia also has good linkages with the leading professionals in the country as many of them were students at the International

Islamic University (UIA), Malaysia

In regards to the development of the halal industry, The Bosnia-Herzegovinian Agency of Halal Quality and Certification was established in February 2006 by the Islamic Community of Bosnia and Herzegovina. KasehDia/WHF has created a strong collaborative relationship with the agency to ensure the development of halal in the

country is continuous and progressive.

Further objectives of the ID:

Identify participants for WHF

Trade partners for Malaysian halal products

Potential Investors in Malaysian halal sectors

Identify partners for technical collaboration

Understand and identify local halal situation


The World Halal Forum Charter, signed by the Prime Minister of Malaysia is attached as APPENDIX 1

2. WHF 2007 Overseas Promotional Tours and Industrial Dialogues

WHF Overseas Promotional Tours 2007 were planned for China, London, Canada, South Africa,

India, Bosnia, Germany, Brazil, Middle East, Bangkok, Brunei and Singapore but include other

countries as the need arose. The tours contribute to promotion of WHF and Malaysia as a Halal Hub for both trade and investment with the country.

2.1 Miscellaneous fees -Event Management Fees for Industrial Dialogue, Reconnaissance Trips and Development and Marketing trips –

A lot of effort is required to hold a successful event and more so for events overseas. The Management fee includes the following:

Event report production which includes minute taking and information gathering from key meetings held in conjunction with events

Liaison with venue and on the ground requirements for the smooth running of events Liaison with relevant government bodies in Malaysia for smooth and coordinated efforts

Liaison with government departments and bodies in third countries

Liaison with industry associations in Malaysia that will participate in activities Liaison with industry associations in third countries that will participate in activities

Mass mailing of invitation to potential participants Sending out invitation to VIPs

Preparation of delegate kit Coordinating with venue operators

Design & update WHF industry dialogue website

Design & produce advertisement material – bunting, invitation card Booth preparation

Hotel and transport coordination Other efforts to create a successful event

2.2 Video & photography Cost

There is a need to clearly document and record what is going on in these countries, part of that is

capturing it on either or both film and photography. This includes the following:

The production and development of video footage and/or photographic materials Purchase of video or photographic services


2.3 Promotional and Marketing material

One of the key aspects of our efforts is to make it simple for people to attend the World Halal Forum in May 2008. So the production and distribution of promotional and Marketing Material is

essential to that effort.

Includes production of – Banners, buntings, WHF brochures, WHF promotional CD Each location can require specific promotional materials designed and produced, example

Country Specific WHF-ID buntings, targeted brochures, etc

Soft copies of all promotional material produced for this visit/event are attached as

APPENDIX 2

3. Introduction

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country on the Balkan peninsula of Southern Europe with an area of 51,280 square kilometres (19,741 sq mi). Around 4.3 million people lived in Bosnia and Herzegovina

in 1991, prior to its 1992–1995 war. As of 2007 its population is estimated at well over 4 million

people.

According to the 1991 census, Bosnia and Herzegovina had a population of 4,377,033. Ethnically,

1,902,956 (43.47%) were Muslims by nationality. Bosnia and Herzegovina is a lower middle-income country with an official gross national income per capita of US$2,440 in 2005 (GNI, Atlas method).

Approximately 62 percent of GDP is created in the services sector, 29 percent in industry, and 9

percent in agriculture.

Since the Dayton Peace Agreements ended the war in the former Yugoslavia in 1995, Bosnia and

Herzegovina has made tremendous progress in post-conflict reconstruction, social integration, and state building. It is now working towards accession to the European Union (EU), membership in the

World Trade Organization (WTO), and membership in NATO’s Partnership for Peace program.

Based on its impressive economic recovery and sustained social stability, which have been supported

by high levels of international assistance, the country can be considered a post-conflict success story.

A liberal trade policy has been pursued, but several restrictions on this front were introduced in 2005. Impressive output expansion notwithstanding, the economy has yet to reach its pre-war level.

It is vital to note that Bosnia has negotiated three key international trade agreements in recent times,

namely the South Africa European Union Free Trade Area (SEFTA), Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Turkey and another special treaty with the European Union (EU) which allows for some 80% of goods

produced to enter the European Union without tariff barriers.

Malaysia has a strong presence as an investor in the country and we have very good linkages with

the leading professionals in the country as many of them were students at the International Islamic University (UIA).

The Bosnia-Herzegovinian Agency of Halal Quality and Certification was established in February 2006

by the Islamic Community of Bosnia and Herzegovina. KasehDia/World Halal Forum has created a strong collaborative relationship with the agency to ensure the development of halal in the country is

continuous and progressive.


3.1 ID Summary

City : Event:

Date : Time :

Venue : Local Partner:

Entrance: Number of Attendees:

Attended Countries :

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina World Halal Forum Industry Dialogue in Sarajevo

7th November 2007 9.00am – 4.00pm

Holiday Inn, Sarajevo Bosnia and Herzegovinian Agency for Halal Quality Certification

Complimentary

106 people a. Bosnia

b. Slovenia c. France

d. Croatia

Speakers : (1) Mr. Nordin Abdullah - Executive Director of KasehDia Sdn Bhd, WHF Secretariat

(2) Mr. Sheikh Saleh Abdullah Kamel - President of the Islamic Chamber Commerce of Industry (ICCI)

(3) Mr. Wan Azhamuddin Haji Jusoh - Trade Commissioner,

MATRADE (Budapest) (4) Mr. Khairul Nazran Abd. Rahman – Charge d’Affairs, Embassy of

Malaysia (5) Mr. Tarik Dodic - Secretary General of Contract

Correspondence, Foreign Trade Chamber of Bosnia and Herzegovina (6) Mr. Amir Sakic - Director of Bosnia and Herzegovinian Agency

of Halal Certification

(7) Mr. Amir Hujic - Representative from Chamber of Industry Croatia

(8) Dr. Midhat Jasic - Faculty of Food Science, Tuzla University (9) Mr. Sejad Mackic - Director of Food Safety Agency of Bosnia

and Herzegovina

(10) Dr. Cedomir Nestrovic - Management Department, ESSEC Business School

(11) Mr. Benjamin Vukotic - Export Manager, KLAS Company (12) Representative from Foreign Investment Promotion Agency

3.2 Preliminary Meetings

Meetings held in Kuala Lumpur before the Industry Dialogue

ITEM 1 - Mr. Nordin Abdullah with Mr. Amir Sakic, 9 May 2007 It was agreed that Bosnia would be a significant place to expand Halal and lot of

goodwill between Malaysia and Bosnia.

An Industry Dialogue should take place in Bosnia and it should be organised in a

collaborative basis


ITEM 2 - Mr. Nordin Abdullah with Mr. Edhem Foco, Director, Segmen Bara Sdn Bhd, 5 October 2007, Crowne Plaza Hotel

Discussed individuals and organisations that were to be invited to the Bosnian Industry

Dialogue. Discussed key business opportunities. Elaborated on existing companies from Malaysia that are already investors in Bosnia. Mr. Adhem expressed his enthusiasm for an Industry Dialogue to be conducted in Bosnia.

ITEM 3 - Nordin Abdullah with H.E. Mustafa Mujezinovic, Ambassador of Bosnia & Herzegovina in Malaysia, 24 September 2007

Provided contact details of relevant ministries, organisations, and the situation of Halal in

Bosnia. His Excellency expressed desire to increase collaboration especially after Malaysian PM’s

visit and hoped that an Industry Dialogue would develop that agenda.

Potential for Malaysian products and Malaysian investment.

Meetings held in Sarajevo before the Industry Dialogue ITEM 1 – Mr. Irfan Sungkar with Bosnia Federal Radio, 6 November 2007

Mr. Irfan was interviewed a local radio station during a segment called ‘Cocktail’. The questions that were posed to him surrounded the Industry Dialogue event and general

enquiries about Malaysia and KasehDia/World Halal Forum. Questions included:

Why is KasehDia/World Halal Forum holding an Industry Dialogue in Bosnia? How does this event benefit Malaysia? What are the prospects for Bosnia?

ITEM 2 – Mr. Nordin Abdullah, Mr. Irfan Sungkar and Ms. Mira Ramli with Mr. Khairul Nazran Abd. Rahman – Charge d’Affairs, Embassy of Malaysia, 6 November 2007

A briefing about the establishment of the Malaysian embassy was given by Mr. Khairul. Mr. Khairul explained Malaysia’s relationship with Bosnia, which is not only political but also

personal. Mr. Khairul discussed the details that show Malaysia’s strategic interest in Bosnia.

ITEM 3 – Mr. Irfan Sungkar with a representative of the Islamic Council of Montenegro, 6 November 2007

Mr. Irfan was briefed regarding the situation of Montenegro as a newly independent state in terms of economy, politics and religion.

Discussed the cultural and religious similarities between Malaysia and Bosnia. ITEM 4 – Mr. Nordin Abdullah with Mr. Wan Azhamuddin Hj. Jusoh, Trade Commissioner, MATRADE, Sarajevo, 6 November 2007

Discussed the situation in Sarajevo

Briefed on the goals and objective of Industry Dialogue

ITEM 5 – Mr. Nordin Abdullah with Mr. Amir Sakic, Bosnia & Herzegovina, 7 November 2007

Explained the organisational details of the Industry Dialogue.


Mr. Amir Sakic briefed Mr. Nordin Abdullah on the media that will be attending the Industry

Dialogue.

Mr. Amir Sakic also expressed his desire to work closely with the HDC for international

certification. A briefing on the level of development of halal in Bosnia.

Action Item: To arrange a meeting between Mr. Amir Sakic and Puan Mariam Abd. Latiff from the HDC during his visit in Kuala Lumpur in November 2007

ITEM 6 – Mr. Nordin Abdullah with Mr. Tarik Dodic, Foreign Relations Manager, Foreign Trade Chamber of Bosnia and Herzegovina, 7 November 2007

Discussed the importance of developing the halal industry in Bosnia Discussed the need to attract investments in Bosnia and to leverage off International Free

Trade Agreements (FTAs) that has been negotiated by Bosnia e.g. SEFTA, FTA, EU

agreements Mr. Tarik expressed that he will try to attend WHF 2008 and that a sizeable delegation will

attend MIHAS 2008. Mr. Tarik also expressed his concerns regarding the fact that there is little or no trade

between Bosnia and the Muslim world. He strongly feels the development of the Bosnian

halal industry will be a good solution. Mr. Tarik assisted in arranging media Mr. Nordin Abdullah’s media interviews with the local

media. Action item: To inform MATRADE of Bosnia’s increasing interest in MIHAS

3.3 Participant Details

A list of all the individuals and respective companies who participated in the Industry Dialogue are attached as APPENDIX 3

3.4 Malaysian Delegation

1. Mr. Nordin Abdullah, Executive Director of KasehDia and World Halal Forum Secretariat 2. Mr. Irfan Sungkar, Head of Research and Strategic Projects, KasehDia Sdn Bhd

3. Ms. Mira Azreen Ramli, Senior Project Co-ordinator and Events Manager, KasehDia Sdn Bhd

4. Mr. Wan Azhamuddin Hj. Jusoh, Trade Commissioner, MATRADE (Budapest) 5. Mr. Syed Azmin Syed Nor, Yayasan Al Bukhary


3.3 Industry Dialogue Programme

PROGRAM 8.00 a.m. Arrival of Guests & Registration

9.00 a.m. Welcome Remarks by Mr Nordin Abdullah Executive Director, KasehDia / WHF Secretariat 9.15 a.m. Opening Remarks by Mr Amir Sakic Director of the Agency for Halal Quality Certification 9.30 a.m. Opening Remarks by Mr Khairul Nazran Abd Rahman Charge d’Affairs, Embassy of Malaysia 9.45 a.m. Coffee Break 10.15 a.m. Malaysia – Global Halal Hub Mr Nordin Abdullah, Executive Director, KasehDia/WHF Secretariat 10.40 a.m. Halal Certification – Bosnian Model

Mr Amir Sakic Director of the Agency for Halal Quality Certification

11.05 a.m. Role & Importance of Food Safety Agency and Consumer Health Protection Mr Sejad Mackic, Director of Food Safety Agency of BiH 11.30 a.m. Halal Education

Dr Midhat Jasic Professor in the Faculty of Food Science, Tuzla University

11.55 a.m. Question & Answer 12.15 p.m. Lunch 1.00 p.m. Taking Advantage on the Global Halal Market Mr Irfan Sungkar KasehDia/World Halal Forum Secretariat 1. 25 p.m. Perspecitve for Colaboration with OIC, Gulf and CEFTA Countries Mr Tarik Dodic, Secretary General, Foreign Trade Chamber of BiH 1.45 pm Halal in West Balkan Countries Mr Amir Hujic Representative from Chamber of Industry Croatia 2.10 pm Malaysia and the Halal Market

Mr Wan Azhamuddin Jusoh, Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade), Budapest

2.35 pm Halal Markets in EU Countries

Dr Cedomir Nestrovic, Department of Management, ESSEC Business School, France

3.00 pm Discussion & Coffee Break 3.30 pm Investment Opportunities in BiH

Foreign Investment Promotion Agency (FIPA) Representative 3.55 pm Case Study : Trade Expansion of Halal Certified Company Export Manager , KLAS Company 4.00 pm Discussion 4.40 pm Forum Results & Initiative Presented by Mr Amir Sakic 5.00 pm End of Dialogue


3.4 Post-Event Meetings Item 1 – Mr. Nordin Abdullah with Mr. Slavica Korica, Executive Director, Bosnia and Herzegovina Institute of Standards (BAS), 7 November 2007

Discussed the importance of standards especially in the area of food safety standards. Discussed major problems surrounding food safety standards, such as the fact that Bosnia’s

food safety standards are from the 1970s and 1980s Expressed that they hope to obtain assistance from the Malaysian Technical Assistance (MTA)

programme and their wish to use Malaysian standards for further development. Action Item: To assist in creating linkages between BAS and Department of Standards Malaysia

(DSM). To also facilitate in collaborations with University of Sarajevo in terms of lab testing.

Item 2 - Mr. Irfan Sungkar with Professor Cedomir Nestorovic, Teaching Associate Professor, Management Department, ESSEC Business School, 7 November 2007

Professor Nestorovic is a leading researcher about the Halal industry in France, with halal

certification in particular.

Professor Nestorovic expressed his interest to collaborate with KasehDia in terms of research.

He is open to any manner of collaboration of which will contribute to research in the field of halal in Europe.

Action Items: To follow-up his interest in regards to any collaborations with KasehDia and to

invite Professor Nestorovic as a speaker at the World Halal Forum 2008.

Item 3 – Mr. Nordin Abdullah with Mr. Davor Alagic, Senior Assistant, Department of Food Hygiene and Technology, University of Sarajevo, 8 November 2007

Mr. Davor expressed the need for Halal to encompass food safety in Bosnia

Mr. Davor gave a briefing of findings in his research about pork and substances of pork in

beef and beef products in Bosnia and foreign countries.

Please find attached a copy of this report as APPENDIX 4

Mr. Davor explained that there is a need to have more collaboration between Bosnia and

Malaysia and that Bosnia aspires to become the centre of testing for Eastern Europe in Halal matters.

The University of Sarajevo would like to create links with Malaysian universities.

Item 4 – Mr. Nordin Abdullah with Mr. Ahmet Alibasic, Faculty of Islamic Studies in Sarajevo, 8 November 2007

Mr. Ahmet is an expert in the study of Islam and the Islamic community in Bosnia. He has

prepared a research report on the infrastructure of Muslims in Bosnia.

Please find attached a copy of this report as APPENDIX 5

Mr. Ahmet briefed Mr. Nordin on the ‘Bosnac Allegiance’.

Mr. Ahmet suggested that HDC/KasehDia should produce a documentary on the assistance

Malaysia has offered to Bosnia.

Item 5 – Mr. Nordin Abdullah with Mr. Mirsad Hadzihasanovic, General Manager, Volksbank Bosnia, 8 November 2007

Discussed economic situation in Bosnia

Identified key areas for Malaysia to benefit in term of business development. Tourism has

been identified as a good sector. Discussed the need to find Malaysian companies that are keen to invest in the Bosnian

market and take advantage of low-cost labour with high standards.


Mr. Mirsad elaborated on bank and joint venture projects for investments and financial

opportunities.

Item 6 - Mr. Nordin Abdullah with Mr. Emal Kovacevic, President of UIA Alumni in Bosnia, 8 November 2007

Mr. Emal expressed that he looks towards Malaysia as an exemplar for the development of

Takaful in Bosnia

Mr. Emal explained that he has identified a Halal resort and a wakaf bed and breakfast accommodation that serves only Halal food. It is also operated on a wakaf property.

Mr. Emal also informed that there is a need of investors especially that of Malaysian

companies.

There is a need for technical expertise in his endeavours in regards to Takaful and Microlink.

Action Item: To help create linkages between Malaysian Takaful players and Microlink with Mr. Emal.

Item 7 – Mr. Nordin Abdullah with Mr. Amir Bukvic, CEO, Bosna International Bank, 8 November 2007

Mr. Amir briefed on the structure of Bosna International Bank (IDB is one of the owners and

indirectly has a Malaysian component) Mr. Amir mentioned clients who are actively looking for franchise opportunities in Malaysia

especially in the Halal sector that can be further developed in Bosnia. Bosna International Bank has existing relationship with Malaysian banks such as Affin Bank. Mr. Amir expressed his desire to meet with Khazanah to follow up from Malaysian PM’s visit Mr. Amir mentioned his discussions with the Malaysian PM

Action Items: Bosna International Bank to increase linkages with Malaysian banks. KasehDia to facilitate trade and investment especially in area of Letters of Credit (LC). KasehDia to also

organise a meeting with Mr. Abdul Ghani Badlisyah, CIMB Islamic and Mr. Ganen Sarvananthan,

Khazanah.

3.5 Action Items

KasehDia/WHF to arrange a meeting between Mr. Amir Sakic and Puan Mariam Abd. Latiff from the HDC during his visit in Kuala Lumpur in November 2007

Inform MATRADE of Bosnia’s increasing interest in MIHAS To assist in creating linkages between BAS and Department of Standards Malaysia (DSM)

and also facilitate in collaborations with University of Sarajevo in terms of lab testing.

To follow-up his interest in regards to any collaborations with KasehDia and to invite Professor Nestorovic as a speaker at the World Halal Forum 2008.

To help create linkages between Malaysian Takaful players and Microlink with Mr. Emal. Bosna International Bank to increase linkages with Malaysian banks. KasehDia to facilitate

trade and investment especially in area of Letters of Credit (LC). KasehDia to also

organise a meeting with Mr. Abdul Ghani Badlisyah, CIMB Islamic and Mr. Ganen Sarvananthan, Khazanah.


3.6 Potential Benefits

Opportunities for Malaysia:

i. Leverage on Existing Good Relations

ii. Assistance through Standards Development

Opportunities for HDC: i. Halal Integrity:

HDC is in the position to collaborate and provide training services on halal certification for the

relevant Bosnian agencies.

ii. Capacity building

Export & investment opportunities for Malaysian companies identified and local halal market

challenges and issues highlighted.

iii. Branding & Promotions

Opportunities for WHF:

The ID was very well received by Bosnian counterparts from Government and Industry. WHF secretariat to follow-up this interest with targeted invitations for WHF May 2008. The delegation for

WHF 2008 is expected to be much larger than 2007

Recommendations:


3.7 Media Coverage

5th November 2007


8th November 2007


4. Selected Photographs

For Cost Overview please see APPENDIX 5

Another report from

KasehDia Sdn Bhd (492275-W)

31-2, Jalan 22A/70A

Desa Sri Hartamas

50480 Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia

Tel:+(603) 2300 1344

Fax:+(603) 2300 1312

www.kasehdia.com www.halaljournal.com www.worldhalalforum.org

Approved for submission

Signature: Date:

Jumaatun Azmi – Managing Director / Nordin Abdullah – Executive Director

http://www.worldhalalforum.org/


APPENDIX 2


PROMOTIONAL BOOKLET BY BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINIAN AGENCY FOR HALAL QUALITY CERTIFICATION

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