Taiwan sees great potential in the growing tourism market in the Muslim world and is aiming to make itself a popular destination for Muslims.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also expressed optimism Friday over Muslim market opportunities in the Halal food sector, touting Taiwan’s ability to provide certified Halal food.
Food plays an important role in tourism, and certified Halal food is at the core of promoting Muslim tourist visits to Taiwan, the ministry said.
There are some 150 local firms that have obtained Halal certification, which identifies them as trustworthy establishments that serve products in compliance with Islamic dietary law.
There are an estimated 1.6 billion Muslims around the world, making Islam the world’s second-largest religion after Christianity, according to a 2012 report by the Pew Research Center.
At a promotional event in Chiayi County in southern Taiwan, several expatriates and international students were invited to taste 10 Halal dishes, including appetizers, main dishes and desserts.
The certified food, said Indonesian student Mega Mirasapotri C, gives her peace of mind and confidence that the food she eats is safe, tasty and regional.
(By Chiang Chun-liang and James Lee)
*This article was published on 20 December 2013 by Focus Taiwan News Channel. Read the original article here.