Malaysia-Azerbaijan Strengthen Halal Industry Ties Through HDC-KOBİA MOU

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 (Bernama) -- Halal Development Corporation Bhd (HDC) and the Small and Medium Business Development Agency of Azerbaijan (KOBİA) 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.

In a statement, HDC said both parties would leverage their expertise and networks to support the expansion of halal products, services, and investments across borders.

“By combining Malaysia’s experience in developing a structured halal ecosystem with Azerbaijan’s growing SME and trade landscape, we are paving the way for new opportunities that benefit both economies,” said HDC chief executive officer Hairol Ariffein Sahari.

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Under the MoU, HDC and KOBİA 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.

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-- BERNAMA