Rotterdam aims to be halal gateway

THE Port of Rotterdam is looking to work with Malaysian exporters wishing to export halal products to Europe, according to a report by Bernama news agency. The port hopes to promote itself as the gateway to the continent for halal produce, it says.

Speaking at the recent Third Malaysian International Halal Showcase 2006, the Port of Rotterdam's senior business development manager, Captain Kees Weststrate, said: "There is a growing demand for halal products in the European market, which has a population of 30 million Muslims currently."

Mr Westrate said that VAT Logistics (Rotterdam) had invested EUR13 million (US$16.8 million) to establish a new warehouse at the port, helping to facilitate the importation of halal products.

The warehouse is currently under construction and is expected to be completed by July 2007.

Mr Westrate added that the facility would enable Malaysian companies to enter the European market.