HDC and Muslim Friendly Watch (MFW) Partner to Accelerate Halal Market Growth between Malaysia & China
CEO of HDC, Hairol Ariffein Sahari (Left) with President of Muslim Friendly Watch, Noorman Kamsani (Right)
The Halal Development Corporation Berhad (HDC), under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), today announced a strategic partnership with Muslim Friendly Watch (MFW) to advance Malaysia’s Halal Diplomacy agenda, with a strong focus on strengthening booming halal market between Malaysia and China.
China is rapidly emerging as a pivotal force in the global halal industry, driven by a Muslim population exceeding 20 million and a growing demand for halal-certified products among both Muslim and non-Muslim consumers. In 2024, China ranked among the top two destinations for Malaysia’s halal exports, with trade valued at RM7.04 billion, covering food and beverages, palm oil derivatives, industrial chemicals, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. China’s halal market is further expanding due to its Belt and Road Initiative, robust halal industrial zones in regions like Ningxia and Xinjiang and increasing cross-border e-commerce activity.
Through this partnership, HDC and MFW will provide a structured pathway for Chinese businesses to align with Malaysia’s internationally recognized halal standards. By leveraging MFW’s Muslim-friendly guidelines and HDC’s technical and regulatory expertise, the collaboration will help Chinese companies demonstrate their commitment to halal values, streamline the certification process, and enhance their readiness for full halal certification. This is crucial as China intensifies efforts to unify its halal certification system and boost export credibility in global Muslim markets.
The partnership will also support Malaysian SMEs seeking entry into China’s lucrative halal sector. Initiatives include access to digital market ecosystems, business financing, and B2B/B2C matching, enabling more Malaysian halal products to reach Chinese consumers through major e-commerce platforms. HDC and MFW will further collaborate on stakeholder engagement, awareness programs, and the implementation of the Muslim Choice System to ensure transparency and trust in halal practices.
“This strategic partnership shows our ongoing commitment to expanding Malaysia’s leadership in the global Halal market and advancing our Halal Diplomacy agenda,” said Hairol Ariffein Sahari, Chief Executive Officer of HDC.
“Together with MFW, we aim to strengthen Malaysia-China Halal business relations and leverage digital platforms to expand market access. This collaboration sets
a new benchmark for transparency, quality, and international trust in Malaysia’s Halal certification,” he added.
Noorman Kamsani, President of Muslim Friendly Watch, agreed, stating, “Our collaboration with HDC marks a significant milestone in enhancing the credibility of Muslim-friendly offerings. It enables businesses to transition more confidently towards Halal certification, supported by a framework that signifies consumer expectations and industry standards.”
Effective immediately, this partnership emphasizes a shared vision to build a strong, transparent, and inclusive Halal ecosystem. It also highlights Malaysia’s ongoing efforts in international Halal Diplomacy, particularly in strengthening trade and cooperation with key markets such as China.
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