(MENAFN) New Zealand and Malaysia have launched a strategic collaboration aimed at expanding trade in premium halal meat, capitalizing on New Zealand’s well-established reputation for halal-certified processing.

Announced during a Halal Forum held in Wellington on Wednesday, the bilateral initiative was revealed in the presence of senior government officials from both nations. According to a New Zealand government statement, the partnership is poised to unlock new export opportunities for Kiwi meat producers.

In 2024 alone, New Zealand shipped halal meat worth over 60 million NZ dollars (equivalent to 35.68 million U.S. dollars) to Malaysia, the statement noted.

A key element of the agreement includes upcoming inspections by Malaysian authorities at several New Zealand facilities. These visits mark a pivotal first step toward gaining official access to Malaysia’s halal meat market—an approval considered vital for accelerating trade growth.

With Malaysia’s population now surpassing 35 million, both nations see strong potential for expanded commercial engagement, said New Zealand’s Minister for Food Safety, Andrew Hoggard.

“Once approved, this will boost returns for Kiwi farmers, processors and exporters,” Hoggard stated. He also confirmed that efforts are in progress to streamline export procedures for New Zealand businesses, including updates to registration processes, documentation protocols, as well as packaging and processing standards.

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