MARA is targeting RM3.2 million worth of contract deals and RM600,000 retail sales to be concluded at the five-day Halal Fiesta Malaysia (HALFEST) 2013 beginning Oct 2.

Fifty-eight MARA entrepreneurs will participate in the expo.

MARA, as the joint host for the third year, will work with Shapers Malaysia Sdn Bhd, as the HALFEST manager.

“This is part of efforts to empower Bumiputera halal entrepreneurs, especially in manufacturing and food production, MARA Chairman Tan Sri Annuar Musa said in a statement.

Last year, 16 MARA entrepreneurs secured RM5.1 million worth of halal products through Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2013, the platform for global halal market, he said.

He said MARA is also projecting a 25 per cent increase in the monthly retail sales after HALFEST ended depending on promotions and marketing of halal products, expanding business network, increasing product rebranding and sourcing for latest information on the halal industry.

Annuar said this year MARA would focus on halal segments such as food and beverages, cosmetics, healthcare and fragrance products.

He also said MARA would organise several programmes during the HALFEST including entrepreneurial and education clinic, promotions and product launch.

Attractive prizes await lucky buyers at the expo.

Over 70,000 visitors, including Bumiputera entrepreneurs engaged in the diverse halal industry, are expected to visit the expo.

For further information, please surf www.halal.com.my.

*This article was published by Bernama. Read the original article here.