DUBAI: The strong trade relationship between Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the halal industry underscores the high demand and trust in Malaysia’s premium halal products within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi emphasized that Malaysia has developed a comprehensive and globally trusted halal certification system through the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM). The country’s halal certification is internationally recognized, with 88 certification bodies worldwide endorsing it.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malaysia has built a robust and mature halal ecosystem, consistently ranked at the top of the Global Islamic Economy Indicator. This achievement reflects Malaysia’s unwavering commitment to high standards, quality, and integrity, collectively underscoring the nation’s leadership and dedication to advancing the global halal sector, as stated by Ahmad Zahid in his opening speech at MIHAS@Dubai 2024.
In 2023,
Ahmad Zahid revealed that Malaysia recorded US$12.5 billion (RM55 billion) in halal exports, with the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) playing a critical role in unlocking even greater potential for the industry. Notably, the UAE emerged as the largest destination for Malaysian halal products among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, with imports valued at US$256 million (RM1.13 billion).
This year, with MIHAS@Dubai, the government aims to achieve an export sales target of US$250 million (RM1 billion), demonstrating confidence in the demand for Malaysian halal products. Ahmad Zahid highlighted that for two decades, MIHAS has been a platform enabling countless success stories for halal businesses, from small enterprises to large corporations. Hosting MIHAS in Dubai, the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) is strengthening Malaysia’s ties with the Middle East and beyond.
He further remarked that this isn’t just a showcase of Malaysia’s commitment but a pledge to contin
ue building a robust, inclusive halal ecosystem. Through a commitment to ‘Halal Diplomacy’, Malaysia seeks to strengthen international ties, create a dynamic halal ecosystem, and establish strategic partnerships that advance shared goals.
As the event unfolds, Ahmad Zahid encouraged all attendees to view MIHAS@Dubai not only as a trade fair but as a platform for building enduring partnerships. He urged attendees to seize this opportunity to forge lasting relationships, emphasizing that together, they can strengthen the global halal community, benefiting businesses, societies, and future generations.