Kuala Lumpur:Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Dr. Zahid Hamidi, emphasized the need for stronger international cooperation to eliminate barriers and streamline cross-border halal trade.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Zahid made this call during the opening of the Global Halal Summit (GHaS) 2026, held in Kuala Lumpur. The summit, themed ‘Shariah and Integrity Empowering the Global Halal Ecosystem,’ focused on addressing the challenges businesses face in the halal economy, such as differing requirements and difficulties in accessing new markets.
Dr. Zahid stressed the importance of greater integration of halal markets and regional supply chains to enhance trade and create opportunities for businesses and workers. He urged countries to leverage their strengths collectively rather than operating through fragmented systems.
He highlighted Malaysia’s expertise in standards, governance, Islamic finance, and trade facilitation, while noting Indonesia’s contributions in production capacity, entrepreneurship, and its large consumer market. Across Asia, he observed, partners can offer capabilities that strengthen the entire region.
Dr. Zahid proposed establishing the ASEAN Halal Council in Malaysia by September 2027, with the aim of reducing barriers and facilitating seamless cross-border trade. He also mentioned ongoing efforts towards closer cooperation between Malaysia and Indonesia through a proposed Malaysia-Indonesia Halal Council, following approval by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. This bilateral mechanism could help reduce duplication and enhance businesses’ regional supply chain integration.
The Global Halal Summit, which spanned two days, generated approximately RM1.2 billion in sales, orders, and potential sales, showcasing the commercial potential of collaborative platforms for businesses, governments, and industry stakeholders.
Dr. Zahid discussed Malaysia’s comprehensive approach to the halal economy, which extends beyond certification to include standards, trade, investment, innovation, research, finance, and market access. He emphasized that exporters need more than just certification; they require consistent production, suitable packaging, working capital, reliable logistics, and knowledge of target markets. He also noted that technology could enhance supply chain transparency and that stronger links between universities and industry could provide the necessary technical and professional skills for the sector’s growth.
Additionally, Senator Datuk Dr. Zulkifli Hassan, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), highlighted Malaysia’s efforts to strengthen its global halal strategy through the Malaysia Halal Global Nexus. This initiative aims to merge halal governance and standards with international trade promotion, thereby expanding international markets, strengthening industry networks, and boosting global confidence in Malaysia’s halal products and services. The summit’s focus on reducing regulatory and trade barriers is timely as developing economies strive to integrate small and medium enterprises into regional and global value chains.