Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia and Indonesia are poised to lead the establishment of the ASEAN Halal Council, aiming to position the bloc as a global model for the halal industry, characterized by high standards and integrity, according to Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Deputy Prime Minister highlighted that with the global halal market projected to reach USD5 trillion by 2030, ASEAN must take a leadership role in developing a complementary and competitive regional halal ecosystem. Ahmad Zahid, who also chairs the Halal Industry Development Council of Malaysia, stated that both countries have agreed to jointly spearhead the formation of the ASEAN Halal Council this year.
"This will serve as a strategic platform to systematically align halal policies, standards, and regulations among ASEAN countries," he said. The initiative is part of a broader commitment to elevate halal cooperation, focusing on strengthening the position of Malaysia's and Indonesia's halal products in regional and global markets. The collaboration is also seen as a testament to the success of Malaysia's 'Halal Diplomacy' in bolstering the national halal brand globally.
Ahmad Zahid mentioned that Malaysia and Indonesia would intensify joint efforts in areas such as halal certification, education, research, and workforce development. Malaysia also supports expert exchange programs, joint training, and collaborative research to fortify the ASEAN halal value chain.
Both countries have agreed to expand halal trade by easing market access for halal products and enhancing mutual recognition of halal certification. This move aims to facilitate smoother and more industry-friendly halal trade flows, supporting the growth of intra-ASEAN trade. It is expected to positively impact the halal market demand in ASEAN, which consists of nearly 700 million people.
Ahmad Zahid noted that the meeting was a follow-up to his recent official visit to Indonesia, marking the beginning of deeper collaboration between the two nations in spearheading the development of the regional halal industry.