Malaysia's halal product exports to Japan rises to RM2.66 bln in 2016

KUANTAN: Malaysia's exports of halal products to Japan rose to RM2.66 billion in 2016 from RM2.20 billion in 2015, Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Ahmad Maslan said.

He said the export value is expected to grow as both countries are expected to sign a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) soon where Malaysia would be offering its halal expertise ecosystem to Japan.

“The MoC resulted from a bilateral meeting between Malaysia and Japan on Nov 16 last year in conjunction with the Prime Minister's (Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak) visit to Japan, where he proposed a halal cooperation between the two countries.

“MITI (the Ministry of Trade and Industry) has finalised the MoC and it is expected to be table to the Cabinet soon.

“The MoC is an initiative to promote cooperation and expertise in halal aspects between both countries, as Japan's prepares to host the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics,” he told a press conference after attending the one-day Pocket Talk Programme Business Opportunities on Halal in Japan For East Coast Region yesterday.

Malaysia's total halal exports were worth RM42.17 billion last year.

Ahmad said the MoC would entail cooperation in the development of halal expertise, trade and investment promotion, certification, tourism, logistics and supply chain, and ecosystem in Japan.

Expressing confidence that Malaysia's halal industry players will get easier access and priority in penetrating Japan's market, as Jakim's halal certificate and logo are internationally recognised, he urged big companies and small and medium enterprises to seize the opportunities of becoming major halal product exporters to Japan.