Source: Vietnam Plus

Kawaguchiko, Japan – Thailand is intensifying efforts to study Malaysia’s thriving Halal market as part of a comprehensive strategy to enhance its future food export capabilities, with both nations working to strengthen cooperation within the ASEAN framework.

During the “Unpacking Malaysia-Thailand Trade & Packaging Opportunities ahead of ProPak Asia 2025” event held on April 22, Thai Chamber of Commerce vice-chairman Visit Limlurcha emphasized that building a regional roadmap for trade resilience is a key priority for both countries.

“ASEAN needs to maintain at least 50-60% intra-regional trade capacity to effectively buffer against external economic shocks and preserve access to crucial markets like the United States and China,” Limlurcha stated.

Strategic Integration of Resources

Thailand sees significant potential in combining Malaysia’s well-established halal certification ecosystem with Thailand’s abundant raw material resources. This synergy aligns perfectly with Thailand’s recent policy shift toward producing more “future food” – sustainable, health-focused products designed to meet the evolving needs of new generations of consumers.

Limlurcha pointed out that Malaysia holds a distinct advantage in developing functional and high-value ingredients beyond traditional food commodities, which could complement Thailand’s substantial production capabilities.

Addressing Regional Economic Challenges

The Thai Chamber of Commerce vice-chairman highlighted the urgent need for regional alignment to address mounting global economic uncertainties, including slowing trade volumes, new US tariff policies, and ongoing post-pandemic recovery challenges.

With Malaysia assuming the ASEAN chairmanship this year, both countries are significantly intensifying cross-border dialogue and cooperation initiatives. This timing presents an opportune moment to strengthen regional integration in the food sector.

Reversing Export Decline

Limlurcha acknowledged that Thai food exports to Malaysia have been declining in recent years, attributing this downward trend primarily to the broader global economic slowdown affecting trade relationships worldwide. In response, the Thai Chamber of Commerce is actively working to support small and medium enterprises through these turbulent economic times.

Broader ASEAN Cooperation Context

This initiative comes as Thailand and Malaysia reinforce their bilateral relationship. According to the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thailand ranked as Malaysia’s seventh largest trade partner globally and third within ASEAN last year, with bilateral trade reaching 25.03 billion USD.

The focus on halal cooperation represents just one facet of growing Thailand-Malaysia collaboration, which also extends to areas such as energy development, tourism, and infrastructure projects within the regional bloc.

As both countries face similar economic challenges from global market uncertainties, this partnership on halal products could serve as a model for other cooperative ventures within the ASEAN economic community.

Original Articles:

en.vietnamplus.vn. (n.d.). Thailand seeks to strengthen Halal cooperation with Malaysia. Retrieved April 24, 2025, from https://en.vietnamplus.vn/thailand-seeks-to-strengthen-halal-cooperation-with-malaysia-post317949.vnp