Rotterdam: Port halal certified

The Rotterdam Port received a halal certificate in Kuala Lumpur, according to Mayor Ivo Opstelten who is currently in the Malaysian capital.  The port is the first European port whose products can be distributed while fully complying with Islamic religious laws.  

Opstelten is in Malaysia by invitation of the World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF).  His spoke there about dealing with the labor market in Rotterdam.  A delegation from the Rotterdam Port Authority was present as well.  Former prime minister Ruud Lubbers was present in the capacity of Minister of State.

Last year it was announced that the port will have the first distribution center for halal food in Europe.  This terminal will be used only for storage of halal-approved import products from Indonesia and Malaysia.

Opstelten accepted the invitation by the WIEF since Malaysia and many other Muslim countries are important for the Rotterdam Port.  "In our port there is a Malaysian palm oil refinery. In addition you meet here the whole world.  I have spoken with the Indonesian president and with the prime minister of Kuwait I spoke about our refineries."

The mayor's wife also took part in the conference.  "She gave a presentation about participation of women in the labor market"

Source: Telegraaf (Dutch)