WELLINGTON, July 16 — Malaysia and New Zealand have agreed to strengthen cooperation in the global halal industry with several strategic measures, including the alignment of certification standards, joint research efforts, and the enhancement of halal assurance frameworks.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is on a working visit here, said the collaboration is vital to uphold the integrity and international marketability of halal products, amid rising global demand from Muslim consumers.
“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 at the Halal Forum and High Tea with New Zealand Biosecurity and Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard here today.
The event, held at the National Library of New Zealand, was attended by senior representatives from industry and government agencies of both countries.
Zahid, who also chairs Malaysia’s Halal Industry Development Council, said Malaysia’s participation in Fieldays 2025, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest agricultural exhibition, reflects its commitment to expanding international engagement in agriculture and the halal sector.
In his speech, Zahid also expressed appreciation to New Zealand’s two recognised halal certification bodies, namely the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand and the New Zealand Islamic Development Trust, for their continued efforts to ensure compliance with halal standards aligned with Malaysian requirements.
“This collaboration is more than technical alignment. It symbolises mutual respect for religious and cultural values in the global trade ecosystem,” he said.
Zahid said Malaysia also welcomes the participation of New Zealand companies and agencies in the upcoming Malaysia International Halal Showcase, as part of efforts to boost bilateral trade in the halal sector.
Meanwhile, Hoggard said Malaysia remains an important market for New Zealand’s halal meat exports, which exceeded NZ$60 million (RM151 million) last year.
“Malaysia is facilitating the approval process for several halal meat premises in New Zealand seeking first-time market access. This is a key step towards expanding our halal exports,” he said.
With a population of over 35 million, Hoggard said the Malaysian market offers strong growth potential.
He said the revised halal export requirements provide greater clarity for New Zealand producers in areas such as registration, processing, documentation, packaging, and storage.
“New Zealand is fully committed to its strong partnership with Malaysia and to delivering top-quality halal products to this key market,” he added.
Zahid, who is also rural and regional development minister, is on a five-day working visit to New Zealand, which ends Friday.
— Bernama
