Thailand’s largest agro-business conglomerate CP Group reached MOU deal with Bahrain-base Al Salam Bank to supply halal foods to the 300-million-customer-base MENA (Middle East and North Africa) market, the company said in a statement.

According to the MOU, the two companies will form a joint venture subsidiary to provide halal foods for Muslim customers in 20 countries in the Middle East and Africa.

CP said its halal foods are currently trusted by 1,300 Muslim customers around the globe.

“The expansion to the new markets is part of the Thai Foods to the World project. We would be benefited from developing necessary skills in the halal foods products,” said CP vice president Salasin Veeraphol.

He said the local suppliers would be also definitely benefited from the strategic alliance.

However, Mr. Salasin declined to comment on proportion of stake both the two companies will be held in the new joint venture company.