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Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has agreed to deliver a keynote address, via teleconferencing, at the three-day Sarajevo Halal Fair, beginning September 27, after a meeting held in Kuala Lumpur with Mr. Amer Bukvić, CEO of Bosna Bank International.

The Sarajevo Halal Fair (SHF), an international halal industry event will be jointly organised in Europe by Bosna Bank International and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), with IsDB's THIQAH business forum as well as BBI's VIP Business Club.

“Dr Mahathir was very keen to be there (in Sarajevo) but due to work, he agreed on a teleconference speech. He is basically our hero and in fact, a hero to Muslim countries and has always supported Bosnia and encouraged Bosnian businessmen to pursue opportunities with their Malaysian counterparts,” said Bosna Bank International (BBI) President of the Management Board Mr. Amer Bukvić.

Speaking at a press conference to announce the fair, Bukvić invited more Malaysian companies to set up business in Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

More than 50 per cent of the Bosnia and Herzegovina’s 3.5 million population are Muslims and could be a huge market for the halal food industry.

“Besides halal food, we are looking for partners in the tourism, real estate and energy sectors, and we believe Malaysia has the expertise in these areas. We aim to become Europe’s halal hub and we need help from Malaysia,” Bukvić added.

The meeting with H.E. Tun Mahathir was also attended by H.E. Emir Hadžikadunić, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Malaysia, dr. Selma Kalota and Mirza Vejzagić from BBI VIP Business Club.

In a related development, the Bosna Bank CEO met with the Federation of Malay Economic Bodies (Gabem) to seek their support for the halal fair. During the visit SHF received support by Malaysia’s Halal Industry Development Corporation.

During his visit to Malaysia, Bukvić also met with representatives of the Malaysian ministries of Education, Tourism and all announced their support for the upcoming Sarajevo Halal Fair (SHF).

Additional information on the Sarajevo Halal Fair (SHF) can be found at http://www.sarajevohalalfair.com.