Malaysia and Azerbaijan Strengthen Halal Industry Ties Through HDC–KOBIA MoU
In a significant move to deepen bilateral cooperation in the halal economy, Halal Development Corporation Berhad (HDC) and the Small and Medium Business Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (KOBIA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote collaboration in Halal industry development, trade facilitation, and small and medium enterprise (SME) growth between the two nations.
HDC was represented by its Chief Executive Officer, Hairol Ariffein Sahari and KOBIA was represented by its Chairman, Orkhan Mamadov.
The MoU, signed in Baku recently, marks a new phase of partnership between Malaysia and Azerbaijan, focusing on knowledge exchange, capacity building, and Halal ecosystem enhancement. Both parties will leverage their expertise and networks to support the expansion of halal products, services, and investments across borders.
Under the agreement, HDC and KOBIA will jointly implement initiatives to strengthen halal industry participation through:
- Capacity building and training for halal SMEs in both countries.
- Co-organization of events such as conferences, roadshows, and seminars to share best practices.
- Information exchange to enhance halal industry knowledge and compliance.
- Market facilitation, enabling Malaysian halal companies to explore opportunities in Azerbaijan and vice versa.
HDC Chief Executive Officer, Hairol Ariffein Sahari, said the collaboration with KOB?A represents another milestone in Malaysia’s efforts to internationalize its Halal ecosystem.
“Through this partnership, HDC continues to expand Malaysia’s halal footprint globally. By combining Malaysia’s experience in developing a structured halal ecosystem with Azerbaijan’s growing SME and trade landscape, we are paving the way for new opportunities that benefit both economies.”
He added that HDC’s international partnerships — from ASEAN to Africa and now the Caucasus region — show Malaysia’s strong reputation as a leader in halal development, policy, and governance.
Chairman of KOB?A, Orkhan Mamadov, remarked, “This collaboration with HDC opens new doors for Azerbaijani businesses to participate in the global halal market. We believe that knowledge sharing and joint programs under this MoU will accelerate the growth of halal-certified enterprises in Azerbaijan while enhancing trade and investment cooperation with Malaysia.”
The partnership supports Malaysia’s Halal Industry Master Plan 2030, which aims to create new and larger market opportunities for Malaysia’s halal products and services, positioning the nation as a leading global halal hub and enhancing its contribution to the global Halal economy, projected to reach USD 5 trillion by 2030.
Malaysia’s halal exports continue to grow steadily, reaching RM61.79 billion in 2024, an increase of 15% from RM53.72 billion in 2023. In the first half of 2025 alone, Halal exports exceeded USD 7 billion (approximately RM29.3 billion), contributing about 16% of the nation’s total exports.
Bilateral trade between Malaysia and Azerbaijan has also gained momentum — Malaysia’s exports to Azerbaijan surged 173% in 2024 to USD 24.9 million, showing a strong market potential and renewed investor confidence.
The collaboration signifies the shared vision of both nations — to position halal not merely as a certification, but as a catalyst for global trade, ethical business, and socio-economic progress.
NEWS RELEASE is prepared and issued by Halal Development Corporation Berhad (HDC)
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Norsida Ahmad | +6012 3249703 norsida.ahmad@hdcglobal.com
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