Malaysia, Indonesia to lead establishment of ASEAN Halal Council
The Deputy Prime Minister said that with the global halal market projected to reach USD5 trillion (USD1 = RM4.22) by 2030, ASEAN must emerge as a leader in developing a complementary and competitive regional halal ecosystem.
Ahmad Zahid, who also chairs the Halal Industry Development Council of Malaysia, said both countries had 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. We are strongly committed to elevating halal cooperation to a higher level, focusing on strengthening the position of both countries' halal products in regional and global markets.
'This collaboration will also be a testament to the success of Malaysia's 'Halal Diplomacy' in strengthening the national halal brand globally,' he said in a statement following a strategic meeting with Indonesia's head of the Halal Product Assurance Organising Agency (BPJPH), Haikal Hassan Baras, on the sidelines of the 46th ASEAN Summit here today.
Ahmad Zahid said Malaysia and Indonesia would intensify joint efforts in halal certification, education, research and halal workforce development.
He said Malaysia also fully supports expert exchange programmes, joint training and collaborative research to strengthen the ASEAN halal value chain.
Both countries also agreed to expand halal trade by easing market access for halal products and enhancing mutual recognition of halal certification.
'This move will facilitate smoother and more industry-friendly halal trade flows, while supporting the growth of intra-ASEAN trade. It is expected to have a positive impact on halal market demand in ASEAN, which comprises nearly 700 million people,' he said.
Ahmad Zahid noted that the meeting was a continuation of his recent official visit to Indonesia, which marked the beginning of deeper collaboration between the two nations in leading the development of the regional halal industry.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Asean secretary-general urges stronger cruise tourism ties with India
JAKARTA: (Bernama) Asean secretary-general Dr Kao Kim Hourn has outlined actions to be taken under the Asean-India Tourism Work Plan 2023-2027 to advance cruise tourism cooperation between the two regions. Speaking virtually from Jakarta during the Asean-India Cruise Dialogue 2025 held in Chennai on Monday (June 30), he said the initiative provides a timely platform to deepen maritime tourism and strengthen regional connectivity. "The Cruise Dialogue offers a strategic platform to translate our shared aspirations into action. By working together, we can develop initiatives that link heritage, culture, and communities across our coastal regions,' he said in a video message released by the Asean Secretariat. Kao outlined several priorities under the work plan, including the development of integrated cruise circuits, enhancement of port infrastructure with digital systems, and promotion of joint investments in cruise-related services. He emphasised capacity-building in cruise operations and hospitality, especially targeting youth and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and called for stronger coordination through the Asean Task Force on Tourism and Transport. Sustainability was also a key theme, with calls to protect marine ecosystems, improve climate resilience, and harness digital platforms to enhance passenger experiences and operational coordination. "These areas of cooperation reflect the potential for Asean and India to lead in sustainable and inclusive cruise tourism,' Kao said, noting India's US$5 million contribution to the Asean-India Fund as a vital support mechanism. With over 40 cruise destinations in Asean and major port upgrades underway, he said the sector is emerging as a strategic growth area. The dialogue was held as part of the Asean-India Year of Tourism aimed at strengthening tourism ties between the two regions. Travel between Asean and India has been growing, with about 5.88 million Indian tourists visiting Asean last year and 660,000 visitors from Asean countries travelling to India, Kao added. - Bernama
Barnama
5 hours ago
- Barnama
Malaysia Leads ASEAN Push for Regional Peace and Human Rights Advancement
WORLD KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 (Bernama) -- ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) on Tuesday launched its Thematic Study on the Right to Peace, marking a significant milestone in ASEAN's move towards implementing a rights-based approach to peace agenda. In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said the study also offers key policy recommendations to support ASEAN initiatives to respect human rights and implement practices to secure regional peace and security in line with the ASEAN Community Vision 2025. It also reaffirmed that the right to peace is a fundamental human right, and is essential for sustainable development, human dignity, and the enjoyment of all other rights. Speaking at the launch of the study, Malaysia's representative to AICHR and AICHR Chair 2025, Edmund Bon Tai Soon, commended the study, describing it as a springboard for actions that strengthen ASEAN's broad commitment to peace and respect for human rights. "This thematic study is very important as there are still many regional problems and conflict in ASEAN and also globally. "Spillover conflict issues that become region-centric cannot always be considered internal affairs of ASEAN Member States. This is reflected in the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and ASEAN's initiatives on conflict prevention, as well as civilian and human rights protection.' He added that ASEAN is working to address regional and international challenges, including the situation in Gaza and situational conflicts within the region, by taking positions to improve conditions on the ground. Meanwhile, AICHR will organise a six-part AICHR Regional Training Programme on Human Rights on July 2 to build capacity of ASEAN officials in conflict prevention and to promote sustainable peace through the practical application of human rights principles. The programme, tilted 'Workshops on Intersection Between Conflict and Human Rights: Pathways and Approaches to Peace in ASEAN' also aims to strengthen ASEAN's collective ability to implement proactive peacebuilding strategies.
New Straits Times
6 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Malaysia targets Thai visitors with sustainable travel campaign ahead of VM2026
BANGKOK: Malaysia launched a major campaign to attract more Thai travellers ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), promoting the country as a top destination for sustainable and inclusive travel experiences. Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said VM2026 highlights Malaysia's wide-ranging tourism assets, including eco-parks in Sabah and Sarawak, Unesco heritage sites, vibrant multicultural urban experiences, and tranquil coastal retreats. "We are focusing on seamless accessibility, improved infrastructure, and sustainability-driven experiences that meet the changing preferences of modern travellers," he said in his speech during the VM2026 launch event in Bangkok on Tuesday. Tiong, who is currently leading a tourism promotional campaign in Bangkok, remarked that Thailand and Malaysia share a strong friendship rooted in shared cultural values, people-to-people connections, and robust cross-border trade. He underscored that as Southeast Asia recovers in the post-pandemic era, tourism is regaining its status as a critical pillar for regional economic revitalisation. "Within Asean, we must see each other as collaborators rather than competitors. By working together, we can strengthen travel corridors, offer more appealing tourism packages, and create richer, more meaningful experiences for both regional and international visitors," he said. For the record, Malaysia received 13.4 million international visitors from January to April this year, marking a 21 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. Of these, 833,610 visitors were from Thailand, representing a 3.4 per cent year-on-year growth and solidifying Thailand's status as a key market. - BERNAMA
