halal market:AsiaWhile Asia has the largest Muslim population of any given region, its population has modest per capita incomes, and hence lower total food consumption than other areas. In 2006, the Malaysian Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC), was formed to coordinate the development of the Halal industry, focusing on standards, audit, certification, plus capacity building for Halal products and services. Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Brunei, China and India have all taken steps to tap into the global Halal meat market. The Singapore food industry has also taken a number of steps toward becoming a Halal meat hub, including an ongoing strong advertising campaign in the Middle East. Thailand has moved to become a recognized center of excellence in science and testing. Brunei is currently co-operating with Australian companies to combine its role in the Muslim world with Australias track record in safe, high quality food production.The Chinese Halal industry has the key advantage of cheap labor. China recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the European Commission (EC) and already has several EC-approved companies ready to export Halal products to European markets. EuropeEurope is seen as an important market for Halal products on the basis of higher purchasing power. Furthermore, non-Muslims willing to purchase HCFPs on the basis of the belief that such products are safe.Figures vary considerably with industry estimates for the global Halal food market ranging from $240 billion to $810 billion. Estimates on the size of the European Halal food market also vary, but in 2006 the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service suggested a conservative figure of $21 billion.Muslims across Europe have far higher consumer spending power than those in the Middle East and North Africa with second and third generation European Muslims seeking out convenience and looking for products such as Halal pizzas, lasagna and hot dogs.The port of Rotterdam has been officially designated as halal at the World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) and has dedicated warehouses solely to halal products and toward ensuring they do not come into contact with non-halals.France has the largest population of Muslims in Europe estimated to be 5 million Muslims and as such is the largest market for halal products among non-Muslim countries. The value of the French market for halal products has been estimated at over $17 billion.The Middle EastMiddle East countries, especially members of GCC, have higher incomes and consequently higher per capita rates of consumption. In addition, the region imports 80 percent of its food requirements.Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are seen as the most important markets in the region. Currently Brazil is the largest exporter to the two countries followed by the EU and the US. Saudi Arabian companies involved in the halal industry include Al-Radwa Farms, Al-Watania, Supreme Foods, Nash Meat and Sunbullah. UAE companies involved in the halal business include Al-Islami Foods, Al-Babeer, AlAreesh, Arctic Gold, Royal Meat and Emirates Meat. Turkey has a good potential as supplier of halal products, particularly to EU counties. Egypt was recently seen as the most important market for halal food in North Africa. However, it has