KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (Might) has set up the Might Interest Group (MIG) in herbal products to promote the development of the industry in the country.

Its Chief Executive, Dr. Ahmad Tasir Lope Pihie, said Wednesday the group, comprising expertise from both the public and the private sector, had been tasked with exploring and studying the industry with the goal to formulate strategies and recommendations to the Government.

"It is envisaged that the strategies and recommendations identified will be used to formulate the Natural Herbal Products Action Plan," he told a news conference here.

He said that local herbal industry had lot of potential but in order of it to grow its competitiveness needed to be enhanced.

He said the plan would chart out strategies and opportunities to catapult Malaysia into a global industry player in herbal products. Three working groups had been formed under MIG to proceed with the task.

He also said that since herbal products were gaining popularity of late, a four-day exhibition and forum on natural health products would be held from July 22 at the Putra World Trade Centre, here.

The fair was aimed at creating awareness among health industrialists, manufacturers, natural health practitioners and suppliers and health enthusiasts of Malaysia herbal and the natural health industry.

The natural health forum will be held on July 22 in collaboration with Might and Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), he said.

He said the forum would be a good platform for exhibitors and participants to exchange ideas while the exhibition to introduce and market their products and services to a wider audience of regional retailers and health conscious consumers.

He said the fair will showcase a wide range of products and services such as essentials oils, herbs and spices, traditional herbal-based beauty-care, herbal cosmetics, jamu and traditional Chinese herbal drinks and medicine.

The natural health fair exhibition will jointly organised by Expo Trade Communication Resources Sdn. Bhd., Ministry of International trade and Industry and FRIM.

Ahmad Tasir also said about 100 participants are expected to attend the forum and 30 had already confirmed their participation.

Those interested to attend the fair can call 03-7121129 and 03-7150370.