Kuala lumpur: New Zealand’s move to explore membership in the soon-to-be-established ASEAN Halal Council marks a significant step towards deeper economic cooperation with Malaysia, said New Zealand Malaysian Business Association (NZMBA) president Dave Ananth.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malaysia’s global leadership in the halal industry and New Zealand’s reputation as a trusted producer form a natural partnership. This collaboration is now entering a transformative phase following Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s recent visit to Kuala Lumpur for the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits from Oct 26-28.
Ananth highlighted Malaysia’s respect for halal governance through the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), which New Zealand acknowledges for its credibility. “This cooperation will enable our exporters to reach larger Muslim markets with confidence while accelerating investment, trade, and halal tourism opportunities in New Zealand,” he said in a statement to Bernama.
He further noted that halal is one of the fastest-growing global sectors, extending beyond food into pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, finance, and tourism, with Malaysia continuing to set international benchmarks. Ananth also welcomed Malaysia’s assurance of halal integrity, mentioning Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s statement that all chicken products produced in New Zealand are halal-certified with full government support.
With the new enhanced Halal Implementation Arrangement (HIA) between Malaysia and New Zealand, both countries are progressing towards streamlined certification and stronger supply-chain standards to serve ASEAN’s nearly 700-million-strong halal consumer market.
Ananth suggested that JAKIM expand its presence to New Zealand to strengthen mutual confidence and open new areas of cooperation. “JAKIM’s brand is the gold standard worldwide. Having JAKIM represented in New Zealand would give greater assurance to halal-importing nations and unlock major opportunities in food exports, halal logistics, and Muslim-friendly tourism,” he said.
He emphasized that the halal sector would become a key pillar of New Zealand’s newly established Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with ASEAN, positioning Malaysia as a gateway to the wider Southeast Asian region. Ananth also noted that halal today reflects universal values of trust, safety, and quality, aligning with New Zealand’s brand identity as a premium global producer.
Prior to this, Ahmad Zahid welcomed New Zealand’s interest in joining the soon-to-be-established ASEAN Halal Council, underscoring Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening regional collaboration in the global halal industry.