Here's a roundup of key developments across the halal industry ecosystem during the month of October
Editor's note: Philippines aims to strengthen ties with the largest Arab economy, and is sending a halal trade mission to achieve the same. Malaysia is inking a deal with Pakistan to import halal food, while India is setting new guidelines for halal meat exports.
Company News
Malaysia
Gigi Coffee gets halal-certified by JAKIM
Gigi Coffee, a Malaysian coffee chain, has received halal certification from JAKIM after passing a thorough examination of its food handling, preparation, and sourcing processes.
The certification process includes not only food-related requirements but also broader criteria, such as having a strategic layout plan and employing a minimum number of Malaysian Muslim staff.
This approval ensures that Gigi Coffee adheres to strict halal guidelines. (Vulcano Post)
Malaysia
Maybank, Borong partner to launch Malaysia's first B2B halal marketplace
The Salaam Market initiative aims to position Malaysia as a global leader in the halal industry by supporting SMEs in overcoming challenges related to halal certification, financial services, and sourcing.
It simplifies participation in the halal economy for businesses in Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Singapore, facilitating international expansion.
The platform also enables SMEs to purchase halal products at competitive prices without minimum order requirements, reducing costs and streamlining operations. (Says)
Trade Developments
Philippines / Saudi Arabia
Philippines to send halal trade mission to Saudi Arabia
The Philippines is set to send a halal trade mission to Saudi Arabia from October 27 to November 5, aiming to strengthen trade ties with the kingdom.
Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry, the mission will visit Riyadh and Jeddah to promote the country’s growing halal industry.
Philippine officials are working to expand the domestic halal sector while enhancing economic relations with Saudi Arabia, according to Rommel Romato, charge d'affaires of the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh. (Arab News)
Malaysia / Pakistan
Malaysia inks deal with Pakistan to import halal meat, rice
During a bilateral meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced Malaysia’s agreement in principle to import 100,000 metric tonnes of halal meat and Basmati rice from Pakistan.
Anwar, on a three-day state visit to Islamabad, described the trip as personally significant. He expressed confidence that Pakistan's halal meat exporters could meet Malaysia's strict halal regulations, ensuring the quality of their products. (The Star)
Azerbaijan
SESRIC ready to implement joint projects with Azerbaijan in halal sector
Azerbaijan's growing halal industry is enhancing its integration into global markets and boosting trade with Islamic countries, according to Zehra Zumrut Selcuk, head of SESRIC.
Speaking at the Azerbaijan Halal Business and Tourism Forum, she emphasized Azerbaijan's strategic position and economic growth, making it a key player in the Islamic world.
The halal sector holds significant potential for the country's economy and trade, with forums like AZHAB fostering collaboration on both business and governmental levels.Top of FormBottom of Form (Azerbaycan24)
Vietnam
Government strives to build a sustainable halal ecosystem in Vietnam
Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology, led by Minister Huynh Thanh Dat, aims to build a sustainable halal ecosystem in collaboration with domestic and international partners.
Speaking at the National Halal Conference, Minister Huynh emphasized the growing demand for halal products, with global spending projected to reach $1.67 trillion by 2025. (Vietnam VN)
Indonesia
BPJPH signs 52 halal certification deals with 24 countries
Indonesia’s Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) announced the signing of 52 mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) with halal certification bodies from 24 countries at the Halal-20 (H20) forum in Tangerang, Banten, held from October 9-12.
This brings the total number of MRAs to 92.
BPJPH head Aqil Irham highlighted the importance of the forum in expanding global networks and leveraging technological innovation to benefit halal stakeholders, marking a key step in strengthening the global halal ecosystem. (Halal Focus)
Regulatory
Indonesia
Indonesia delays Halal important conditions
Indonesia has announced a delay in implementing a new regulation requiring exporting countries to provide Halal certification for raw food products, including beef. Initially set to take effect last week after four years of development, the requirement has been postponed, with a new deadline yet to be determined.
According to Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the Australian government is actively working with Indonesia to gain clarity on the duration of the delay and will keep exporters informed as new information about Indonesia’s requirements becomes available.
(Beef Central)
Malaysia
Jakim recognises five more foreign halal certification bodies
Malaysia’s Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry has amended the Trade Descriptions (Certification and Halal Marking) Order 2011, adding new overseas halal certification bodies recognized by the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim).
The update includes five additional foreign bodies - two from Russia, and one each from Brazil, Mongolia, and Uruguay - bringing the total number of recognized bodies to 88 across 49 countries. (The Star)
UPCOMING EVENTS :