Strengthening Regional Ties Through Halal Industry Cooperation

Malaysia has officially welcomed New Zealand’s participation in the soon-to-be-established ASEAN Halal Council, marking a new milestone in regional efforts to enhance halal industry collaboration and standardization.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced the development during his speech at the Halal Diplomacy event hosted by New Zealand. He highlighted Malaysia’s ongoing commitment to promoting trust, transparency, and accountability in the global halal sector—values that transcend religious and cultural boundaries.

Building a Unified Halal Framework

Ahmad Zahid expressed optimism that the ASEAN Halal Council would harmonize standards across the region and strengthen global competitiveness. He emphasized that halal certification represents excellence in quality, safety, and integrity across industries such as food and beverage, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, banking, and insurance.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon attended the event alongside Ahmad Zahid, symbolizing both countries’ shared dedication to advancing halal cooperation.

Deepening Malaysia–New Zealand Collaboration

As chairman of Malaysia’s National Halal Council, Ahmad Zahid underscored Malaysia’s global leadership in halal certification, noting international recognition of JAKIM’s credibility and the Malaysian Halal Council’s robust framework.

He also revealed that Malaysia and New Zealand have long maintained cooperation in halal assurance—particularly in the certification of New Zealand’s poultry exports, which are fully endorsed by the government.

“We are pleased to see our trade associations working closely together,” he said, adding that halal products from New Zealand are well received by Malaysian consumers.

Toward a Stronger Halal Partnership

Ahmad Zahid identified the halal industry as a cornerstone of bilateral relations and highlighted the upcoming Halal Implementation Arrangement as a key mechanism for expanding cooperation. The agreement aims to simplify certification processes and reinforce confidence in halal supply chains between the two nations.

He encouraged New Zealand to view Malaysia not only as a halal industry partner but also as a strategic collaborator in tackling regional and global challenges.

“Please consider Malaysia as your partner in all areas of cooperation that contribute to peace, prosperity, and shared progress,” he stated.

A Shared Vision for the ASEAN Market

With ASEAN’s population nearing 700 million, Ahmad Zahid described the region as a vast halal market where Malaysia seeks to position itself as the central gateway—with New Zealand as a trusted ally.

During the event, Ahmad Zahid and Prime Minister Luxon witnessed the official exchange of notes on the Halal Implementation Arrangement between both countries, conducted by JAKIM director-general Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee and New Zealand High Commissioner to Malaysia Mike Walsh.

Original Article:

Bernama. (2025, October 28). New Zealand joins ASEAN Halal Council with Malaysia’s support. Retrieved from https://thesun.my/news/malaysia-news/new-zealand-joins-asean-halal-council/