Strategic Initiative to Access Global Islamic Product Market

Bangladesh has formally requested Malaysia’s assistance in establishing a halal industrial park, aiming to capitalize on the rapidly expanding worldwide market for food and products manufactured according to Islamic religious guidelines. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus emphasized the urgency of this initiative during discussions with Malaysian halal industry representatives in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, encouraging immediate action on the proposed collaboration.

Market Size and Growth Projections

Malaysian officials informed the chief adviser that the global halal products sector currently maintains a valuation of $3 trillion and is anticipated to reach $5 trillion by 2030. Malaysia has established itself as a significant market participant through its operation of at least 14 halal industrial parks, securing a substantial portion of the international market share. Other prominent competitors in this sector include Middle Eastern nations, Thailand, Australia, and New Zealand, all of which have developed comprehensive halal production capabilities.

Bangladesh’s Market Potential and Current Status

Bangladesh possesses considerable opportunity to enter this lucrative market given its status as home to the world’s third-largest Muslim population. However, the country must enhance its infrastructure development and certification systems to effectively compete in the global halal marketplace. Currently, the Islamic Foundation Bangladesh serves as the primary halal product certification authority, having certified only 124 manufacturers to date. The Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution also provides certification services for halal products, though the overall certification infrastructure remains limited compared to international standards.

Official Delegation and Cooperation Framework

– Malaysian Leadership Team

The Malaysian delegation was headed by Datin Paduka Hajah Hakimah binti Mohd Yusoff, who serves as coordinator of halal affairs within the Malaysian prime minister’s department. Key participants included Sirajuddin Bin Suhaimee, director general of the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), and Hairol Ariffein Sahari, chief executive officer of the Halal Development Corporation (HDC). These officials represent Malaysia’s most authoritative halal industry organizations and regulatory bodies.

– Bangladesh Government Representatives

The meeting included participation from multiple high-level Bangladesh government officials, demonstrating the strategic importance of this initiative. Attendees comprised Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul, Energy Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan, Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy Lutfey Siddiqi, and Senior Secretary for SDG Affairs Lamiya Morshed, indicating comprehensive governmental support for the halal industrial park development project.

Formal Cooperation Agreement and Next Steps

– Halal Diplomacy Initiative

Bangladesh and Malaysia formalized their collaboration through the exchange of a cooperation note in the field of halal ecosystems, which officials characterized as an example of halal diplomacy. This agreement establishes the framework for ongoing collaboration and knowledge transfer between the two nations in developing Bangladesh’s halal industry capabilities.

– Assessment and Implementation Planning

Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud bin Harun, executive chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, specifically requested Malaysian assistance in identifying the necessary requirements for establishing a halal industrial park within Bangladesh. Sirajuddin Bin Suhaimee confirmed that Malaysia would dispatch an assessment team to Bangladesh in the near future to evaluate the country’s specific needs and develop appropriate implementation strategies for the proposed industrial park development project.

Original Article:

Star Business Report. (2025, August 13). Bangladesh seeks Malaysia’s support to set up halal industrial park. The Daily Star. https://www.thedailystar.net/business/news/bangladesh-seeks-malaysias-support-set-halal-industrial-park-3961651