Moving the halal industry forward: Ahmad Zahid (seated centre) posing with Malaysian and Chinese delegates following the roundtable dialogue at the Malaysia-China Halal Business Forum in Shanghai. Also present are Silk Road China Group Chairman Yan Lijin (third from right), Pahang Mentri Besar Wan Rosdy (third from left), Perak Mentri Besar Saarani (second from left) and Dr Wee (right). — Bernama
SHANGHAI: Malaysia’s role as a keen proponent of “halal diplomacy” has resulted in a significant investment potential worth RM4bil from Chinese companies interested to set up operations in the country.
These companies can then obtain halal certification for their products to be exported to wider markets.
Among the 40 companies said to have shown “serious interest” is one that produces vaccines, particularly for cancer.
Malaysia is also expected to benefit from this investment potential through research collaborations proposed between Chinese institutions and Malaysia universities as well as Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) on halal herbal-related products.
Disclosing this, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said this was among the outcome of a series of meetings held here to see how Malaysia could play its role as gateway for countries interested in producing and exporting halal products.
“The interest shown by these Chinese companies is a testament of their confidence in our halal certification that is recognised worldwide,” he told the Malaysian media here yesterday.
The Deputy Prime Minister said since the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) would only issue halal certificates to products that were made locally, these companies were willing to operate in Malaysia.
“This is an advantage for us. It is an acknowledgement of our role and contribution to the world halal industry and the credibility of Malaysia’s halal certification,” he added.
Aside from vaccines and herbal-based halal products, among potential investments to Malaysia from China is halal gelatin, pharmaceutical products and cosmetics.
Earlier at a forum, Ahmad Zahid proposed for efforts to further boost the halal industry be done through “halal diplomacy” and the creation of a Malaysia-China Halal Trade Corridor.
He said the proposed halal trade corridor initiative would strategically boost halal trade within the framework of the One Belt One Road initiative.
“It will also allow us to better meet the halal needs of BRICS nations, Asean and the Global South, while streamlining trade between China and Malaysia for a more efficient supply chain,” he added.
Through this corridor, a dedicated trade highway featuring bi-nation halal one-stop centres will be developed, to simplify export and import processes, provide clear protocols and offer specialised halal logistics, among others.
“I hope this initiative allows China to position Malaysia as a key hub for refining its halal products and obtaining Malaysian halal certification.
“This will unlock new opportunities for both countries to strengthen positions in the global halal ecosystem,” he said.
With global demand for halal goods and services projected to reach US$5 trillion (RM21 trillion) by 2030, he said both countries must further advance their roles in halal diplomacy to unlock new opportunities and greater potentials.
“Malaysia is already deeply engaged in halal trade with numerous countries, reflecting a complex and dynamic ecosystem,” Ahmad Zahid said.
He said Malaysia remained committed to advancing the halal industry and that its strategic initiatives were shaping a vibrant and interconnected halal economy.
“Through halal diplomacy and the creation of trade corridors, we are expanding our market presence and forging global partnerships that drive mutual success.
“As we look ahead, I am confident that our shared dedication and innovative strategies will further strengthen our position and expand our reach.
“Together with China, we will build a strong global halal network that fosters sustainable growth and prosperity for all,” he said.
