Here's a roundup of key developments across the halal industry ecosystem in August

Editor's Note: In an attempt to tighten screening of meat and poultry imports, Malaysia said it will only accept halal certificates issued by US bodies recognised by the country's regulatory entity, JAKIM.

Meanwhile, Macau is seeking to introduce a halal certification scheme to court Muslim travellers. 

Investment

Malaysia

HASAN.VC launches cohort to empower halal startups in Southeast Asia
HASAN.VC, part of the Ethis Group, has launched Cohort 003 of its high-impact Accelerator Program to support halal and ethical startups across Southeast Asia.

Building on the success of the previous cohort 002, applications are now open for the next generation of purpose-driven founders aiming to scale their impactful ventures.

The HASAN.VC Accelerator is a five-week online program for early-stage startups, offering up to $60,000 in pre-seed equity funding, mentorship from leading Muslim entrepreneurs and global experts, and access to a network of over 500 angel investors. (SME Asia)

Indonesia

Indonesia secures $563,000 potential halal deals in Bangkok
The Indonesia Pavilion at Mega Halal Bangkok 2025 secured potential halal deals worth $563,000. 

The pavilion attracted international interest, particularly in fashion, cosmetics, food and beverages, and home decor.

Ambassador Rachmat Budiman noted that Indonesia's halal sector has strong potential, especially in the lifestyle and food sectors, and its participation aimed to promote these products. (Halal Focus)

Regulatory

Macau

Halal certification programme to lure Muslim visitors

Tourism authorities are in discussions with Hong Kong's Islamic groups to introduce a halal certification scheme in Macau, aimed at attracting Muslim travelers.

The scheme will cover three categories: halal restaurants, halal-kitchen restaurants, and halal-friendly restaurants. (Macau Business)

Malaysia

Malaysia to accept Jakim-recognised US halal protein certificates

Malaysia will only accept meat and poultry imports from the United States if the halal certification is issued by bodies recognized by Jakim, Malaysia's Department of Islamic Development.

Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz emphasized that this measure aims to facilitate trade without compromising halal standards, ensuring compliance with Shariah principles to protect Muslim consumers. (Malay Mail)

Trade Developments

Vietnam

Vietnam to promote development of halal products and services

Vietnam plans to negotiate and sign international agreements to support businesses in promoting halal products and services, according to a draft decree by the Ministry of Science and Technology.

The decree defines halal products as those compliant with Islamic law, while halal services include activities like transportation, storage, and packaging of halal goods.

The decree also outlines support for Vietnamese halal certification organizations to improve their capacity, gain international recognition, and ensure their certifications are accepted in key export markets. (Vietnam+)

UPCOMING EVENTS :

2025:

• Aug 19-21, Nigeria Halal Expo
• Sept 16-18, GHAS Conference
• Sept 17-20, MIHAS Malaysia 2025
• Sept 24-25, MUIS Halal conference, Singapore
• Nov 6-7, London Halal Forum
• Nov 11-13, BPJPH Halal forum
• Nov 26-29, Halal Expo Turkey
• Dec 2-3, Saudi Halal Expo, Madinah
• Dec 18-19, Thailand Halal Assembly

2026:

• Jan 7-10, Isfahan Halal Expo
• Jan 2026, Makkah Halal Forum

Malaysia will establish a new commission to oversee halal development and foster investment across the sector. 

The entity, which will hold sole dominion over halal development, will serve as a reference and a standards hub for the global halal industry, Malaysia’s state-news agency Bernama said, citing an official document released by the country’s ministry of economy.  

“The market expansion programme for halal products and services to the international level will be strengthened to support the scaling up of small and medium enterprises in the halal industry,” said the 13th Malaysia Plan document. 

The initiative is part of the country’s broader efforts to transform its halal ecosystem and bolster the sector’s contribution to the national growth, 

The role of the halal industrial parks will be reinforced to facilitate the development of high-value halal industry, the document added. 

Malaysian premier Anwar Ibrahim said that the government aims to ramp up the country’s halal export to 80 billion Malaysian ringgits, whilst increasing the sector’s contribution to GDP to 11%. 

The halal industry contributed 149 billion Malaysian ringgits to the national economy last year, making up 7.7% of the GDP. 

Pakistan has issued its first agri-infrastructure sukuk—valued at Rs 2 billion in a landmark step toward Shariah-compliant, climate-resilient financing for the country’s agriculture sector.

Launched by InfraZamin Pakistan, Sunridge Foods (Pvt) Limited, and BankIslami Pakistan, the sukuk was formally unveiled at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX).

“This Sukuk not only boosts our capacity but also strengthens Pakistan’s food systems through sustainable and inclusive growth,” said Amir Shahzad, chairman and executive director of Sunridge Foods. The proceeds will fund Sunridge’s modernization efforts, including renewable energy projects and the construction of silos and warehouses to expand food storage and reduce emissions.

Structured under a robust governance framework, the instrument carries a 100% principal credit guarantee from InfraZamin Pakistan and holds a long-term AAA rating from VIS Credit Rating Company. Institutional investors led the fully subscribed issuance, signaling growing confidence in innovative Islamic finance products.

InfraZamin CEO Maheen Rahman described the transaction as “a transformative example of how credit guarantees can unlock access to capital markets for critical sectors like agriculture.” 

The funds will support Sunridge’s Balancing, Modernization, and Replacement (BMR) projects, including the installation of 1 MW wind turbines and a 0.5 MW solar power plant at their processing units in Karachi and Lahore.

“This Agri-Infrastructure Sukuk showcases the potential of Shariah-compliant instruments to channel capital toward national priorities,” said Rizwan Ata, CEO of BankIslami, the mandated lead arranger for the issuance.

Other key partners include AKD Securities as Financial Advisor, Al-Hilal Shariah Advisors for compliance oversight, and Pak Brunei Investment Company as Investment Agent and Trustee.

Here's a roundup of key developments across the halal industry ecosystem during July.

Editor's Note: Indonesia is fast-tracking the transformation of its Islamic economy committee into a new agency to boost innovation and cross-sector coordination in the halal and Islamic finance sectors.
 

Regulatory

Indonesia

KNEKS to be rebranded as Islamic Economy Agency
Former Vice President Ma’ruf Amin announced that the Indonesian government plans to transform the National Committee for Islamic Economy and Finance (KNEKS) into a new institution called the Islamic Economy Agency (BES).

At the launch of the 2024–2025 State of Global Islamic Economy (SGIE) Report in Jakarta, Amin confirmed that the rebranding process is being fast-tracked with support from President Prabowo Subianto.

He expressed confidence that the establishment of the BES will foster innovation in policymaking and enhance cross-sectoral coordination for the development of Indonesia’s Islamic economy. (Antara News)

Trade Developments

New Zealand

New Zealand seeks associate membership in ASEAN Halal Council

New Zealand has expressed interest in joining the ASEAN Halal Council as an associate member, marking a commitment to enhance halal cooperation with Malaysia and the Southeast Asian region.

This proposal was discussed during meetings with New Zealand government officials and the Malaysian diaspora in Auckland and Wellington, according to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He described this development as an opportunity to expand collaboration within the halal ecosystem, not only between Malaysia and New Zealand, but also across the wider region. (The Malaysian Reserve)

Malaysia

Johor escalating efforts to become regional halal hub

Johor is working to establish itself as a regional halal hub through its Johor Halal Development Plan (PKHNJ), forming strategic partnerships with national agencies.

Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid, chairman of the state’s Islamic religious affairs committee, emphasized the government's commitment to setting a benchmark in halal certification, starting with state and federal government facilities.  (The Star)

Indonesia

Halal Indo 2025 Builds a Globally Competitive Halal Industry Ecosystem
Dyandra Promosindo hosted the Halal Indo 2025 Media & Influencer Gathering, themed “From Lifestyle to Global Industry: Indonesia’s Path to Becoming a Halal Hub”, at the Paragon Community Hub.

This event is part of the Halal Indo 2025 exhibition series, scheduled for September 25-28, 2025, at ICE BSD City, Tangerang. The gathering aims to promote a modern, sustainable, and globally recognized halal industry ecosystem. (Halal Focus)

Vietnam

Vietnam eyes opportunities to expand exports to Halal markets
Experts at a seminar held on July 14 in Ho Chi Minh City emphasized the significant export opportunities for Vietnamese businesses in the global Halal market, particularly in sectors like agriculture, food, cosmetics, textiles, and pharmaceuticals.

They noted that meeting Halal requirements would not only help businesses reach Muslim consumers but also tap into the high-end, quality-focused global market. (Halal Focus)

Greece

Greece urged to develop national halal strategy to boost exports to Muslim markets
Christos Kellas, Deputy Rural Development and Food Minister of Greece, emphasized the need for a national halal strategy to boost the export potential of Greece's agri-food sector to Muslim-majority countries.

He pointed out that Greece’s high-quality food products, with their strong local identity and international appeal, could benefit significantly from halal certification, opening doors to key markets such as Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Malaysia, UAE, and Turkey. (ekathimerini)

UPCOMING EVENTS :

2025:

• July 16-18, Mega Halal Expo, Thailand
• Aug 19-21, Nigeria Halal Expo
• Sept 16-18, GHAS Conference
• Sept 17-20, MIHAS Malaysia 2025
• Sept 24-25, MUIS Halal conference, Singapore
• Nov 6-7, London Halal Forum
• Nov 11-13, BPJPH Halal forum
• Nov 26-29, Halal Expo Turkey
• Dec 2-3, Saudi Halal Expo, Madinah
• Dec 18-19, Thailand Halal Assembly

2026:

• Jan 7-10, Isfahan Halal Expo
• Jan 2026, Makkah Halal Forum

UAE-based food tech company Red Planet has launched a line of halal-certified ready-to-eat meals with a shelf life of **up to 25 years, offering a major innovation in long-term food storage. The meals, which were first presented at the Saudi Food Show 2025 in Riyadh from May 12 to 14, are targeted at military, humanitarian, and disaster relief operations worldwide.

According to representative from the company, advanced freeze-drying technology and oxygen-resistant packaging technology was used to help the meals retain their taste, texture, and nutritional value without refrigeration or preservatives. 

“Our mission was to develop high-quality, culturally appropriate meals that remain safe and nutritious over decades,” a Red Planet spokesperson said. “With growing concerns around food security and climate-related disruptions, the need for durable food solutions has never been greater.”

Each dish undergoes a process that removes over 95% of its moisture before being sealed in multi-layered pouches that block out humidity, oxygen, and light, critical factors in maintaining long-term food integrity. The menu caters to both regional and international palates, featuring meat machboos, balaleet with eggs, chicken biryani, scrambled eggs, and pasta with minced meat.

The innovation has drawn interest from institutional buyers and distributors at the food expo. Red Planet is currently awaiting final regulatory approval in the UAE, after which the meals will be made available in retail outlets across the country.

With climate change, geopolitical instability, and supply chain disruptions straining food systems globally, ultra-long shelf life products like Red Planet’s could reshape the way governments and humanitarian organisations approach food security and emergency preparedness.

Halal Products Development Company (HPDC), a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), has released a new report highlighting investment opportunities across the Kingdom’s halal industry for 2024–2025.

Titled "Halal Market Opportunities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 2024/2025," the report aims to support the growth of Saudi Arabia’s halal ecosystem and strengthen its position in the global halal economy. It includes market insights and strategic recommendations for stakeholders, covering sectors such as food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and Muslim-friendly travel.

Terming the report a significant milestone in advancing the Kingdom's understanding of the halal market on both the local and global scale, Fahad AlNuhait, CEO of HPDC, added that Saudi Arabia aim to empower stakeholders and investors with reliable, data-driven insights that support sustainable economic growth and solidify the country’s role as a key player in the global halal economy.

The publication forms part of HPDC’s broader efforts to promote public-private partnerships and align Saudi Arabia’s halal industry with international best practices. It also supports national development goals under Saudi Vision 2030 by positioning the country as a competitive and sustainable hub for halal products.

The report includes an overview of the global halal market, a breakdown of the Saudi landscape, and analysis of emerging trends and investor interest. It is intended as a reference for decision-makers across both the public and private sectors.

Indonesia and New Zealand signed a halal cooperation agreement on June 16 to ease export procedures for red meat and dairy products. The development comes as the Southeast Asian nation prepares to enforce mandatory halal certification for most consumer goods by the end of 2026.

The arrangement will streamline certification and product assurance processes, allowing New Zealand exporters to better align with Indonesia’s evolving halal regulations.

New Zealand’s Minister for Agriculture and Trade, Todd McClay, said the agreement was part of the government’s broader strategy to expand trade opportunities and boost returns for exporters. He added that Indonesia presented a significant market with a population of 280 million and a growing middle class. Last year alone, it imported more than 1.1 billion New Zealand dollars ($664 million) in New Zealand dairy and meat products. 

The new agreement comes as Indonesia implements the phased rollout of its halal product assurance law, requiring most domestically sold and imported goods to be halal-certified by the end of 2026. Industry stakeholders have previously flagged the certification process as a potential trade barrier if mutual recognition mechanisms are not in place.

According to officials, the cooperation is expected to support smoother market access for New Zealand producers while helping ensure compliance with Indonesia’s regulatory framework. It may also strengthen New Zealand’s positioning as a supplier of high-quality, halal-compliant food products to Indonesia.

Further details of the arrangement, including recognition of halal certifying bodies and implementation timelines, are expected to be clarified in upcoming bilateral discussions.