Tatarstan and Malaysia Strengthen Partnership to Boost Halal Industry

Petaling Jaya – The Halal Development Corporation Berhad (HDC) had the distinct honor of hosting His Excellency Rustam N. Minnikhanov, President of the Republic of Tatarstan, and a high-level delegation during their official visit to Malaysia from August 12-13, 2024. This visit underscores the ongoing and deepening relationship between Malaysia and the Republic of Tatarstan, focusing particularly on the rapidly expanding global Halal economy.

President Minnikhanov’s delegation included His Excellency Nail Latypov, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Malaysia, and Mr. Midkhat Shagiakhmetov, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Tatarstan. They were welcomed by Khairul Azwan Harun, Chairman of HDC, along with the senior management team at HDC’s headquarters in Petaling Jaya. The meeting served as a pivotal platform for both sides to discuss strategic collaborations and explore new opportunities within the burgeoning Halal industry.

Building on Previous Engagements

The significance of this visit is deeply rooted in the successful engagements established during HDC’s participation in the Kazan Forum in May 2024. This forum catalyzed discussions on potential partnerships aimed at enhancing economic ties and expanding the reach of Halal products and services between Malaysia and Tatarstan.

Optimism for Future Collaborations

Khairul Azwan Harun expressed his enthusiasm about the potential outcomes of the discussions, stating, “I am confident that today’s strategic discussions will lead to productive collaborations, ultimately benefiting both nations and significantly contributing to the global Halal economy.”

Strengthening Economic Ties in the Halal Sector

The visit marked a significant advancement in reinforcing the relationship between Malaysia and the Republic of Tatarstan, especially in terms of developing and strengthening mutual interests in the Halal sector. Discussions focused on exploring new avenues for joint ventures and initiatives to enhance economic ties and broaden the global reach of Halal products.

Growth of the Halal Food Sector in Tatarstan

Recent data highlights the robust growth of the Halal food sector in Tatarstan. According to the latest figures, Halal food production in Tatarstan, an autonomous republic within Russia with a substantial Muslim population, reached approximately USD 137 million as of 2020. This figure represents 3% of the republic’s gross agricultural output. This growth signifies a strong and stable demand for Halal products in the region, underscoring Tatarstan’s expanding role in the global Halal market.

Trade relations between Malaysia and Russia have also shown remarkable progress. In recent years, the export of Halal-certified food products from Malaysia to Russia has seen significant increases. In 2022, the value of these exports reached RM465.7 million, up from RM351.6 million in 2021. This growth reflects the rising interest and demand for Halal products in Russia, indicating a robust market for Malaysian Halal goods and further strengthening the economic ties between the two nations.

The strategic partnership between Malaysia and the Republic of Tatarstan exemplifies the global reach and influence of “Halal Malaysia.” This collaboration seeks to leverage the increasing global interest in Halal products and services, aiming to enhance trade and investment opportunities for both countries. By expanding their partnership, Malaysia and Tatarstan are poised to contribute significantly to the global Halal economy, fostering economic growth and development in both regions.

The visit of President Rustam N. Minnikhanov and his delegation to Malaysia underscores a crucial milestone in the ongoing efforts to strengthen economic and cultural ties between Malaysia and Tatarstan. It emphasizes the mutual commitment to advancing the Halal industry and exploring innovative ways to collaborate on a global scale.

This burgeoning partnership is set to play a pivotal role in the future of the Halal economy, offering new prospects for trade, investment, and economic development. As both Malaysia and Tatarstan continue to build on this strategic relationship, the global Halal market stands to benefit from their joint efforts and initiatives.

For more detailed information on the Halal industry and the expanding economic partnership between Malaysia and the Republic of Tatarstan, visit The Halal Times. This collaboration not only highlights the growing influence of Halal products in the global market but also represents a significant step forward in fostering international trade and economic development in the Halal sector.