ASEAN, GCC Countries, China Keen To Cooperate With Malaysia In Halal Industry

KUALA LUMPUR, May 28 (Bernama) — Several ASEAN countries, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and China are keen to work with Malaysia to share experiences in the halal industry.

Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz said they voiced this as Malaysia is being seen as a leader in the halal industry.

“They want Malaysia to share experiences, technical issues related to the halal industry.

“This halal industry is not only in terms of food and beverage (F&B) but also in terms of logistics, pharmaceuticals and so on, as it crosses not only Muslim countries and is an idea where this halal industry can also increase the income of the people, the income of their respective countries,” he told reporters after the ASEAN-GCC Economic Forum 2025 here Wednesday. 

Tengku Zafrul said that as an open economy, it is important for Malaysia to increase its involvement in new blocs in facing global geopolitical and economic challenges.

“We have announced last Monday that Malaysia and the GCC will begin negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), for example, and at the same time we are also discussing on how to engage in new sectors with China.

“ASEAN has also concluded discussions on the ASEAN-China FTA in several new areas. There are new chapters in the FTA that we are introducing in terms of the green economy, supply chain, digital economy and so on,” he said.

Meanwhile, he welcomed the joint statement by ASEAN, GCC and China expressing commitment to enhance trade and investment relations as well as the in-depth discussions held by the leaders on various sectors including the green economy, digital economy and halal industry.

“Many have indicated on how we can also develop the halal industry between ASEAN and GCC apart from the digital economy, green economy and so on,” he said.

— BERNAMA