Bangladesh Seeks Malaysia’s Expertise To Boost Halal Exports Into Southeast Asia
By Rosemarie Khoo Mohd Sani
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 24 (Bernama) -- Bangladesh is looking to leverage Malaysia’s expertise in halal certification and regulatory standards to strengthen its halal ecosystem and expand its halal exports into the Southeast Asian market, said Bangladesh High Commissioner to Malaysia Manjurul Karim Khan Chowdhury.
He said Bangladesh aims to enhance cooperation with Malaysian institutions, particularly the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) and Halal Development Corporation (HDC), to build its technical capacity in halal certification.
"JAKIM is poised to support us. We need support in many ways to develop our technical capacity for certification,” he said in an interview with the Bernama Mobile Studio programme titled 'Exhibiting at the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2026 and Global Halal Trade', here today.
Manjurul noted that Malaysia’s experience in developing its halal ecosystem, specifically in certification, regulatory frameworks and industry capabilities, provided valuable lessons for Bangladesh as it seeks to strengthen its position in the global halal market.
Furthermore, Malaysia could serve as a gateway for Bangladeshi producers to access the Southeast Asian market, with participation in MIHAS providing opportunities to establish business contacts and understand market requirements to become a key player in the sector.
Through MIHAS, he said Bangladeshi exporters could gain deeper knowledge regarding buyer expectations, product quality, traceability, packaging, and other key standards.
Manjurul added that Bangladesh sees potential to diversify its halal industry beyond food and beverages into pharmaceuticals, healthcare, skincare and cosmetics as consumer awareness grows.
"Our pharmaceutical industry is rising. It is an established sector... we are exporting to 157 countries, but we are also focusing on halal areas. That's an emerging area,” he said.
He pointed out that Bangladesh's large domestic Muslim consumer base provides a solid foundation for companies to develop products locally before expanding internationally.
Six Bangladeshi companies are participating in MIHAS 2026 with financial support from the country’s Export Promotion Bureau, comprising five food-sector companies and one pharmaceutical firm: Apex Convenience Foods Ltd, Ghore Bazaar, Paragon Agro Ltd, Talukdar Agro Foods and Beverage, Nourish Foods Ltd and Biopharma Ltd.
Manjurul also said that this participation aims to help Bangladeshi producers gain market knowledge and experience while improving their readiness to compete globally.
On certification recognition, he noted that JAKIM has recognised the Islamic Foundation of Bangladesh, adding that credible regulatory bodies were essential for widespread international acceptance.
"When you give a certificate, your certificate needs to be widely accepted by other countries and consumers. Here, regulatory bodies play a very important role. That's why we are trying to enhance our cooperation with Malaysian institutions like JAKIM and HDC," he said.
He further said that the halal trade relationship is mutually beneficial, noting that Bangladesh is also a growing import market for Malaysian halal food, beverages and raw ingredients, including palm oil.
Urging Bangladeshi producers to focus on quality and traceability while aligning with buyer demands, Manjurul expressed optimism for the future.
"I think Bangladesh has a very bright future in the halal industry," he said, adding that companies participating in MIHAS have the potential to scale into strong regional players.
-- BERNAMA