The organizers of the Asean Halal Expo 2024 (AHEX24), to be held from July 25 to 29 at the Asean Mall in Pattani, Southern Thailand, are targeting a trade value of 100 million baht over the five-day program.

Nu’man Hani Jamal, Chief Operating Officer of UNITI Waqi Sdn Bhd, said this amount is higher than the trade value recorded at the Asean Halal Expo 2023.

“Last year at the Asean Halal Expo, we managed to achieve a potential trade value of around 70 million baht.

“And this time, God willing, we are targeting up to 100 million baht in potential trade value, which will be better than the previous program,” he said at a press conference for the event at Asean Mall Pattani today.

This expo is organized by UNITI Asia Link Sdn Bhd; One Stop Center Co Ltd; and Asean Mall. It also collaborates with several other parties, such as Fatoni University; the Halal Department of Prince of Songkhla University; Ibnu Affan Cooperative; UNITI College Sdn Bhd; Mubarak Halal Food Fest; Adabi; and Mountain Brand.

In this regard, Nu’man took the opportunity to invite all business owners from the Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Hat Yai, and Bangkok regions to participate in this expo.

“Not only from Thailand but also from Malaysia and other Asean countries will be present at this expo,” he said.

Meanwhile, Zamri Said, Director of One Stop Center Co Ltd, said this Asean Halal Expo is the third to be held after the Covid-19 pandemic affected Thailand, Malaysia, and the entire world.

“We hope this expo will highlight a new dimension in business activities, especially related to business-to-business (B2B), where all participants from attending countries can market their halal products.

“And we hope this time for more participation from Malaysian entrepreneurs and buyers from Thailand and Asean countries.

“We will showcase and promote new products from Malaysia at this expo to be introduced in Thailand and Asean countries,” he said.

It is estimated that more than 150 companies from Asean countries will participate in this expo, including various food, beverage, cosmetics, and franchise café products.

AHEX is the largest international trade expo held in Southern Thailand, with a combination of B2B and Business to Consumer (B2C) concepts.

According to Zamri, the strategic location and bilingual skills (Malay and Thai) of Southern Thailand residents provide unique advantages to contribute to the economies of Thailand, Malaysia, and other Asean countries.

“We are pleased to report that after AHEX 2023, 10 memorandums of understanding were signed. We are grateful to wholesalers and entrepreneurs who showed excellent commitment last year.

“We offer incentive deposit promotions to committed wholesalers and invite the community to explore new international products for free.

“Participants can also join various interesting activities such as Jawi calligraphy, nasyid competitions, cooking, sepak takraw, and others,” he said.

Police Guarantee Security

Mueang Pattani Deputy Police Chief, Lt Amramon Dolo guaranteed security throughout the five-day expo.

“The Pattani City Police have the strength to control security. Besides establishing checkpoints, 24-hour patrols will be conducted to ensure safety.

“Police officers will do their best to ensure that everyone, including tourists attending this expo, feels confident about their safety,” he said.

He also mentioned the confidence of tourists, especially from Malaysia, to come to Pattani.

“I met with a group of motorcycle riders from Malaysia at the Pattani Grand Mosque. I asked if Pattani was safe. They replied yes and that they would come again,” he said.