WELLINGTON, July 17 — New Zealand has expressed a strong interest in forging closer cooperation with Malaysia in the halal industry and has chosen Malaysia as a key strategic partner, especially in trade across the Southeast Asian region.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi revealed this commitment was conveyed by New Zealand Agriculture, Forestry, Trade, and Investment Minister Todd McClay during their bilateral meeting today.
“The New Zealand government aims to be a strategic partner to Malaysia, not only in halal certification but also by leveraging Malaysia as a gateway to the Asean market, which has a population exceeding 600 million,” Zahid told reporters after the meeting.
The discussion followed Zahid’s visit to the National Crisis Management Centre (Beehive Bunker), New Zealand’s strategic government control centre for disaster and emergency response.
During the meeting that touched on various strategic matters, Zahid said McClay also expressed willingness to accept Malaysian agricultural exports, particularly tropical fruits such as pineapples.
He said Malaysian companies were invited to invest in New Zealand’s construction sector.
“Overall, this meeting reached a strategic agreement to broaden bilateral trade relations, including active New Zealand involvement in platforms such as the Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council-China Summit and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership,” he said.
Zahid expressed confidence that Malaysia-New Zealand relations will continue to grow as a model of strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, bringing tangible benefits to the peoples of both nations.
Meanwhile, during a gathering with the Malaysian community in Wellington today, Zahid announced a NZ$100,000 (RM251,000) allocation to Rumah Malaysia to support preparations for this year’s National Day celebrations.
This initiative is a gesture of appreciation for the Malaysian diaspora in New Zealand, whose multi-ethnic community remains patriotic despite being far from home.
“I want this year’s Independence Day to be celebrated grandly at Rumah Malaysia without burdening the high commission. Thanks also to Malaysian companies here that have sponsored events over the years,” he said.
The event, which gathered over 250 Malaysians in Wellington, was also attended by Malaysia’s High Commissioner to New Zealand Mazita Marzuki.
— Bernama
