Kuala lumpur: Halal Development Corporation Bhd (HDC) and the Small and Medium Business Development Agency of Azerbaijan (KOBIA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to promote collaboration in halal industry development, trade facilitation, and small and medium enterprise (SME) growth between the two nations.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, HDC stated that both parties would leverage their expertise and networks to support the expansion of halal products, services, and investments across borders. HDC’s chief executive officer Hairol Ariffein Sahari highlighted the collaboration as a strategic move to merge Malaysia’s structured halal ecosystem with Azerbaijan’s emerging SME and trade landscape, creating mutual economic benefits.

Under the MoU, HDC and KOBIA will jointly implement initiatives to strengthen participation in the halal industry through capacity building and training, co-organisation of events, information exchange, and market facilitation. Bilateral trade between Malaysia and Azerbaijan has gained momentum, with Malaysia’s exports to Azerbaijan surging 173 per cent in 2024 to US$24.9 million, reflecting strong market potential and renewed investor confidence.

HDC added that the collaboration signifies the shared vision of both nations – to position halal not merely as a certification, but as a catalyst for global trade, ethical business, and socio-economic progress.