Wellington: New Zealand has expressed its interest in joining the ASEAN Halal Council as an associate member, marking a significant step towards enhancing halal cooperation with Malaysia and the broader Southeast Asian region. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi highlighted this initiative during meetings with New Zealand government officials and members of the Malaysian diaspora in Auckland and Wellington.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the proposal for associate membership was discussed extensively, with New Zealand indicating its willingness to position Malaysia as a strategic hub for distributing its halal products to ASEAN markets. This agreement extends to traditional markets where Malaysia already has established trade links.

Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, emphasized the potential for collaboration within the halal ecosystem during his five-day working visit to New Zealand. He noted that New Zealand's participation in regional halal platforms could enhance the alignment of standards and improve the global marketability of halal-certified products.

Malaysia is prepared to serve as a regional halal hub, providing New Zealand companies access to the ASEAN market through various collaborative initiatives. This includes participation in the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS), where New Zealand has agreed to take part in September. The showcase will also feature business matching sessions with industry players from Malaysia and other countries.

The visit, which commenced on July 14, aimed to strengthen bilateral ties, focusing on trade, investment, and halal industry development. The discussions underscore the mutual benefits of increased cooperation, and the potential for expanding halal trade within the region and beyond.