Halal industry roundup: KNEKS to be rebranded as Islamic Economy Agency
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
