A local Muslim leader called on the Taiwanese government last month to be more active in developing the halal food industry and strengthen its global networking, especially with Muslim states, to establish itself as a prominent player in this multibillion dollar industry.

"Taiwan has what it takes to play a pivotal role" in the specialized food industry, but the government "lacks a clear policy direction, " Salahuding Ma Chao-yen, the head of the Taipei Grand Mosque, said in an interview with the Central News Agency.

Ma, who attended the Global Halal Conference held in Bangkok, Thailand Nov. 20-22, pointed to many local advantages that could give it an edge in supplying the equipment and advanced techniques in producing halal food, which describe foods allowed under Islamic dietary guidelines.

These strengths, Ma said, include management technology, agricultural refinement techniques, and research and development into health foods and other high value-added products.

The government, however, "is taking a passive attitude in mobilizing Taiwan's resources, " Ma contended, describing the country as still in the early stage of importing the halal food concept compared to Southeast Asian rivals.

Malaysia and Thailand, he said, have crafted proactive policies to facilitate certification and promote trade in the industry.

TAIPEI, Dec.10,2008 (News Agencies)