Malaysia to share knowledge on halal ecosystem

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia will utilise its good relationship with Saudi Arabia to extend its strategy on developing halal products.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are two of Malaysia's biggest trade partners in West Asia that have expressed an interest in developing its halal ecosystem.
"The official visit of Saudi Arabia's ruler King Salman Abdulaziz Al-Saud recently can be utilised optimally and we will extend trade not only from the oil and gas sector," Ahmad Zahid said in a statement after chairing Malaysia's Halal Council meeting held at Perdana Putra here.
He added that based on the meeting, it was decided that the Malaysian Department of Islamic Development (Jakim) will serve as the secretariat of the council.
"Jakim's Halal Hub department whose function is to implement Malaysia's halal certificate will be strengthened as it will cooperate with other government agencies through the National Blue Ocean Strategy (NBOS)," he said.
Ahmad Zahid added Malaysia's expertise on halal issues and knowledge sharing to other countries could also bring new business opportunities for local traders.
"Malaysia's halal standard is well recognised at the international level, which leads to countries such as Japan, the People's Republic of China, Saudi Arabia and Cambodia to seek our knowledge.
"This can also be a medium for Malaysia to educate and promote a moderate Islamic lifestyle throughout the world," he said.
He added that Malaysia should not stay in its comfort zone and always strive to progress, although it's halal ecosystem has been recognised internationally.
"Countries like Indonesia, Brunei, Thailand and others are trying to surpass Malaysia as the champion of the halal industry," he said.