Malaysia, New Zealand to Strengthen Halal Industry Cooperation
Malaysia and New Zealand have reached an understanding to enhance collaboration in the global halal sector, focusing on the standardisation of certification processes, shared research, and the strengthening of halal assurance systems, The Edge Malaysia reported on Wednesday.
The announcement was made during the Halal Forum and High Tea held at the National Library of New Zealand, attended by officials from both governments and representatives from the private sector.
Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is currently visiting New Zealand, described the initiative as a step toward ensuring the global competitiveness of halal products in response to increasing consumer demand.
“This forum is especially significant as it allows both nations to explore new opportunities to strengthen the halal ecosystem through inclusive and complementary approaches,” he said during the event.
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Ahmad Zahid, who also chairs the Halal Industry Development Council, noted that Malaysia will participate in Fieldays 2025, an agricultural exhibition in the Southern Hemisphere, as part of its broader effort to strengthen global partnerships in halal and agriculture.
He also acknowledged the efforts of New Zealand’s two recognised halal certifying bodies—FIANZ and NZIDT—for their alignment with Malaysian standards. “This collaboration is more than technical alignment. It symbolises mutual respect for religious and cultural values in the global trade ecosystem,” he stated.
New Zealand Minister Andrew Hoggard highlighted that halal meat exports to Malaysia surpassed $35 million in the past year. He added that Malaysia is in the process of approving new halal meat facilities in New Zealand, supporting trade expansion between the two nations.
Source: Agencies
