NZ–Malaysia Halal Collaboration Marks Major Economic Shift — NZMBA President

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 1 (Bernama) -- 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.

He said Malaysia’s global leadership in the halal industry and New Zealand’s reputation as a trusted producer form a natural partnership that is now moving into 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. 

“Malaysia is globally respected for halal governance through the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), and New Zealand recognises that 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. 

Ananth said halal represents one of the fastest-growing global sectors, extending beyond food into pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, finance and tourism, with Malaysia continuing to set international benchmarks.

He also welcomed Malaysia’s continued assurance of halal integrity, noting Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s earlier statement that all chicken products produced in New Zealand are halal-certified with full (New Zealand) government support.

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“With the new enhanced Halal Implementation Arrangement (HIA) between Malaysia and New Zealand, both countries are now progressing towards streamlined certification and stronger supply-chain standards to serve ASEAN’s nearly 700-million-strong halal consumer market,” he said.

Ananth also 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 said 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 added that halal today reflects universal values of trust, safety and quality, which align 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.

-- BERNAMA