KUALA LUMPUR — In a move poised to reshape the global halal landscape, Malaysia and Brazil are stepping up their collaboration in the ever-expanding halal market, which is projected to reach a staggering USD 3 trillion by 2025. As demand for halal products continues to rise globally, both nations are positioning themselves as key players. This collaborative effort was spotlighted during the Malaysian International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2024, where Malaysia’s Agriculture and Food Security Deputy Minister, Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup, addressed the pivotal role of the partnership between these two emerging halal powerhouses.
Kurup emphasized the growth in agricultural trade between the two nations, highlighting that it reached RM6.4 billion in 2023 alone, signaling robust bilateral relations. “Brazil is a leading exporter of halal meat to Muslim-majority countries, and Malaysia is globally recognized for its robust halal certification system, which is managed by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM). By combining our strengths, we can further expand our reach in the global halal market and capture a larger share of this growing industry,” Kurup remarked.
The MIHAS event, which has become a significant platform for stakeholders in the halal industry, provided the perfect stage for unveiling the Malaysia-Brazil collaboration. Brazil Networking Day, organized by the Brazilian Embassy in Malaysia, brought industry leaders together to explore new opportunities for growth and innovation in the halal market, and the potential of this partnership was a key highlight.
Malaysia-Brazil Collaboration
The halal industry is more than just a booming economic sector; it is a dynamic, value-driven market that holds promise for countries with the right combination of resources and expertise. Both Malaysia and Brazil are well-positioned to capitalize on this growth due to their unique and complementary strengths.
Brazil, already the largest exporter of halal meat globally, boasts cutting-edge agricultural technology, particularly in grain and corn production. With its vast farming lands and advanced methods, Brazil consistently meets the increasing demand for halal meat in Muslim-majority countries. On the other hand, Malaysia has become synonymous with halal certification, thanks to its leadership role in ensuring that halal standards are strictly followed and its system, managed by JAKIM, is widely respected worldwide.
“By collaborating, Malaysia and Brazil can not only meet their domestic agricultural needs but also contribute significantly to global food security. The strength of this partnership lies in its ability to merge Brazil’s technological advancements with Malaysia’s trusted halal certification system,” Kurup added. This collaboration holds the potential to reshape the global halal industry, allowing both countries to tap into new markets and set higher standards in halal product production.
Brazil’s Commitment to Sustainability
Brazil’s role in the global halal industry is not only significant in terms of quantity but also in its commitment to ethical and sustainable practices. Brazilian Ambassador to Malaysia, Ary Quintella, emphasized that Brazil’s agricultural sector has made significant strides in adopting sustainable and environmentally-friendly farming methods. “Brazil has consistently been a reliable source of high-quality and affordable halal products. Our government and agricultural sector have heavily invested in sustainable farming practices that align with Islamic dietary laws,” Quintella remarked during Brazil Networking Day.
Sustainability has become a key factor in the global halal market, and Brazil is keen to ensure that its halal products are not only halal-certified but also meet the increasing demand for eco-friendly and ethically-produced goods. “Sustainability is key. Brazil’s approach to agriculture ensures that the halal products we offer are produced in a manner that respects both Islamic values and global environmental standards,” he added.
This commitment to sustainability is part of a broader trend in the halal market, where consumers are becoming more discerning about the ethical and environmental aspects of the products they buy. As such, the Malaysia-Brazil collaboration can serve as a benchmark for other nations looking to strike a balance between meeting halal standards and embracing sustainable agricultural practices.
A Pivotal Year for Malaysia-Brazil Relations
As the global halal market continues to grow, 2024 is shaping up to be a turning point for relations between Malaysia and Brazil. “This year marks a significant turning point in our bilateral ties,” said Quintella. Diplomatic engagements between the two nations have reached new heights, with the first visit by a Brazilian foreign minister to Malaysia since 2017, the first visit by a Malaysian prime minister to Brazil since 2003, and the inaugural bilateral Political Consultations Meeting all taking place within the same year.
These high-level diplomatic meetings signal a renewed commitment to deepening trade and economic relations, with the halal industry at the forefront. Quintella believes these meetings lay the groundwork for even greater cooperation in the coming years, particularly in the halal sector, which is becoming increasingly important to both economies.
“This year has shown how close we can be, and it will serve as the foundation for even greater cooperation moving forward,” Quintella remarked. These diplomatic moves will not only strengthen political ties but also provide a platform for further collaboration in trade, technology, and sustainability, especially within the context of the booming halal market.
Expanding Opportunities in the Global Halal Market
With the halal market set to hit USD 3 trillion by 2025, the Malaysia-Brazil collaboration could not come at a better time. As Muslim populations around the world continue to grow, so does the demand for halal products, spanning everything from food to pharmaceuticals. This burgeoning market presents vast opportunities for countries that are willing to invest in innovation, sustainability, and certification.
Malaysia and Brazil’s collaboration is unique in that it marries Brazil’s agricultural prowess with Malaysia’s globally recognized halal certification standards. This partnership positions both nations to expand their market share in regions where demand for halal products is growing rapidly, including the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
The collaboration also opens doors for further research and development in the halal sector. By pooling their expertise, Malaysia and Brazil can explore new areas of innovation in halal food production, such as the development of new halal products, improvements in supply chain management, and the adoption of advanced technologies to enhance product quality and sustainability.
Addressing Global Food Security
Beyond the economic opportunities, the Malaysia-Brazil collaboration also has the potential to address pressing global issues such as food security. As the world’s population continues to grow, ensuring a steady and sustainable supply of food is becoming increasingly important. By working together, Malaysia and Brazil can help meet the global demand for food while adhering to halal standards, which are critical for Muslim consumers.
This collaboration could also play a role in alleviating food shortages in regions where access to halal products is limited. By expanding their reach in the halal market, Malaysia and Brazil can contribute to global food security by ensuring that halal food products are accessible to populations that rely on them.
Setting New Standards for the Halal Industry
As the halal market continues to grow, the collaboration between Malaysia and Brazil is poised to set new standards for the industry. By emphasizing sustainability, quality, and certification, the partnership aims to meet the evolving demands of consumers worldwide while also contributing to global food security.
As other nations look to enter or expand their presence in the halal market, the Malaysia-Brazil collaboration will likely serve as a model for success. By aligning their efforts, these two countries are not only strengthening their domestic industries but also driving innovation and growth in the global halal economy. The future looks bright for Malaysia and Brazil as they continue to lead the way in this rapidly growing market.
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