M'sia to assist Philippines in Islamic banking, halal products

By Azura Abas - PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia has offered its expertise in Islamic finance, banking services and promotion of halal products to the Philippines, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said today. Najib said Malaysia could assist the Philippines in developing its Islamic banking and finance sector. "President Aquino wants us to help in term of Islamic banking and finance as well as the possibility of of Malaysians participating in Islamic banking in the Philippines. "In this respect, I offer Aquino our expertise in training the Filipinos," he told reporters in a joint press conference. Najib also raised the need to promote the potential of halal products between the two countries. The prime minister was also upbeat by the upcoming signing of the Bangsamoro peace deal scheduled to take place by the end of March in Manila. "We are delighted to be able to play our part as a facilitator to support the peace process and to add strength to that process, we will offer capacity building for the Bangsamoro people since being part of the future government in Southern Philippines will require them to have new skills." Najib also said Malaysia and Philippines had agreed on the importance of timely exchange of intelligence as well as ensuring a high degree of deterrent. "In this regard, we are looking at the possibility of establishing a hotline between our security forces in the event of any security incident for immediate interdiction from both sides." Read more: M'sia to assist Philippines in Islamic banking, halal products - Latest - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/latest/m-sia-to-assist-philippines-in-islamic-banking-halal-products-1.495086#ixzz2wNqoMymk