GEORGE TOWN, June 19 — Penang International Halal Expo and Conference (Pihec) 2023 aims to attract 20,000 visitors at Setia Spice Convention Centre here from June 23 to 25.

Penang Trade, Industry and Entrepreneur Development Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain said Pihec hopes to strengthen the state’s position as a leading halal hub in the region while drawing visitors to its shores to discover Penang’s diverse and scenic landscapes.

"There will be 351 booths set up for the 12th annual event and also 400 delegates from countries like China, Chile, Spain, Indonesia and Vietnam... there will also be other states joining us namely Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Kelantan and Kedah,” he told reporters at the Penang International Food Festival (Piff) and Pihec 2023 joint press conference today.

Abdul Halim said the conference will cover four main topics namely Halal Industry Outlook, Logistics in Asean, Role of Women in Halal Sector as well as the Future of Technology Innovation in Halal Sector.

Meanwhile for the Penang International Food Festival (Piff), state executive councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy Yeoh Soon Hin said that the grand finale for the food festival will be held on June 24 and 25 at Setia SPICE Rooftop Garden and Carpark.

"Piff and Pihec remain two important events in the state’s annual calendar to ensure our effort to strengthen Penang’s position as a great destination for leisure, business and investment.

"Piff has been instrumental in promoting Penang to locals and visitors by showcasing our world-renowned foodscape, while Pihec, a premier event, focuses on the Halal supply chain of Southeast Asia,” he said. — Bernama