(This fair does) not only increase the Islamic economic and financial literacy, but (it) also improves the community's participation in developing an inclusive Islamic economy and finance.
Banjarmasin, S Kalimantan (ANTARA) - Vice President Ma'ruf Amin is optimistic that South Kalimantan Province, with 97 percent of its population being Muslim, would become the main hub for development of the national sharia economy and finance.

“I believe that South Kalimantan will be able to become the primary hub in strengthening (the domestic) sharia economy and finance in future, especially in the Kalimantan region,” he remarked here on Tuesday.

Amin made the statement at the inauguration of the South Kalimantan Regional Committee for Islamic Economy and Finance (KDEKS) as well as the opening of the 2023 South Kalimantan National Halal Fair at the field of South Kalimantan Governor’s Office.

The implementation of the 2023 South Kalimantan National Halal Fair, which also involves the local community, is a good step in developing the sharia economy in the region, the vice president remarked.

"(This fair does) not only increase the Islamic economic and financial literacy, but (it) also improves the community's participation in developing an inclusive Islamic economy and finance. Hence, I warmly welcome the implementation of this event," he remarked.

Amin said he was pleased and grateful to attend the fair and be able to witness the enthusiasm of the local residents in celebrating the fasting month of Ramadan as well as supporting the development of Islamic economics and finance.

The government has announced that the holy month began on March 23 this year.

Apart from bolstering the economy of local business players and strengthening economic literacy, Amin expects that the fair will also proffer benefits to the people of South Kalimantan as well as the wider community.

South Kalimantan Governor Sahbirin Noor stated that the 2023 South Kalimantan National Halal Fair offers a momentum to introduce various halal products of the region, including in the culinary, tourism, and fashion sectors.

He expressed optimism that the sharia ecosystem in South Kalimantan would continue to receive a boost through the implementation of the event.

“Thus, the development of sharia economy and finance in South Kalimantan can be more advanced and sustainable," he affirmed.

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Translator: Rangga Jingga, Uyu Liman
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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