Agreement Enables Mutual Recognition of Halal Certification

Bangladesh and Pakistan have taken a major step toward enhancing bilateral trade in halal products through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) and the Pakistan Halal Authority (PHA). The agreement was formalized on Monday during the 9th Bangladesh-Pakistan Joint Economic Commission (JEC) meeting held at the NEC Conference Room in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka.

Strengthening Standards and Trade Cooperation

The MoU focuses on fostering mutual cooperation in halal certification and standardization between the two nations. Representing Bangladesh, Maqsura Noor, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Industries, signed the agreement, while Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Imran Haider, signed on behalf of Pakistan.

Bangladesh’s Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed and Pakistan’s Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik led their respective delegations during the signing ceremony.

Simplifying Halal Trade Across Borders

Under the new agreement, halal-certified products approved by BSTI can now be exported to Pakistan without undergoing additional testing. Likewise, products certified by the Pakistan Halal Authority will be accepted in Bangladesh without further verification.

This mutual recognition framework is expected to reduce trade barriers, streamline certification procedures, and significantly boost bilateral trade efficiency between the two countries.

Strengthening Economic and Diplomatic Relations

Speaking at the event, Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed noted that the MoU reflects growing cooperation and mutual understanding between Bangladesh and Pakistan in multiple sectors. Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik added that the agreement marks an important milestone in halal trade collaboration, ensuring that products certified by either nation will be recognized reciprocally.

“This understanding will make halal trade smoother and more efficient for both countries,” Malik said, emphasizing that the mutual acceptance of halal certificates will help expand export opportunities and deepen economic ties between Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Original Article:

FE Report. (2025, October 28). BD, Pakistan sign MoU to boost coop in Halal certification. Retrieved from https://today.thefinancialexpress.com.bd/public/trade-market/bd-pakistan-sign-mou-to-boost-coop-in-halal-certification-1761587473?amp=true