MM Rahmatullah: The halal industry is emerging as a promising new frontier for economic cooperation between Bangladesh and Malaysia, with policymakers and business leaders calling for greater investment, knowledge-sharing and coordinated efforts to tap into the rapidly expanding global halal market.

The issue came into focus at a seminar titled “Think Halal, Grow Global”, organised by the Malaysian High Commission in Dhaka at a city hotel, where Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon said halal food culture and its underlying values could become a major economic asset not only for the Muslim world but for humanity as a whole.

The minister said the halal sector should no longer be viewed merely from a religious or cultural perspective. Rather, it has increasingly become linked to the global economy, consumer welfare, investment, employment and international trade.

“There is a huge global market for halal food, and both consumers and investors are ready to explore the potential of this sector,” Swapon said.

He stressed that Bangladesh must make effective use of the growing international demand for halal products by bringing entrepreneurs, investors, traders and relevant institutions together under a coordinated strategy.

The minister said Bangladesh and Malaysia are particularly well placed to work together in developing the halal industry because of their shared religious, social and cultural values.

“Both countries can jointly play an important role in developing the halal industry and expanding its scope in the global market by utilising their common values, culture and experience,” he said.

According to him, a successful halal economy would require much more than simply producing halal goods. Businesses and investors need reliable information, practical knowledge, clear concepts and appropriate business models to make informed decisions and compete effectively in international markets.

“The proper ideas, information, knowledge and specific business structures must be created for investors,” Swapon said.

He noted that combining knowledge with sound business strategies could strengthen the market and increase consumer confidence in halal products.

The global growth of the halal food market presents Bangladesh with an opportunity to increase production, attract investment, create jobs and expand exports.

However, experts and businesses need to work together to develop competitive products, maintain quality standards and establish credible certification and business systems that meet international requirements.

The minister`s remarks also highlighted the need for greater awareness among ordinary consumers. A well-developed halal sector, he said, can contribute not only to religious observance but also to food quality, consumer confidence and wider economic development.

For Bangladesh, this could create opportunities for small entrepreneurs as well as large businesses. Farmers, food processors, manufacturers, exporters, retailers and service providers could potentially benefit if the country succeeds in building an internationally competitive halal ecosystem.

Referring to the recent visit of Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to Malaysia, Swapon described Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim`s welcome to the Bangladeshi premier in Kuala Lumpur as a reflection of the deep friendship between the two countries.

He expressed gratitude to the Malaysian government and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on behalf of the government and people of Bangladesh.

The minister said Bangladesh-Malaysia relations go beyond formal diplomatic contacts, as the ties are strengthened by shared values, people-to-people relations and mutual cooperation.

Against this backdrop, he identified the halal industry as a promising new area for economic and diplomatic cooperation between the two countries.

The seminar brought together businessmen, investors, entrepreneurs and representatives of relevant sectors from Bangladesh and Malaysia. Their participation provided an opportunity to discuss both the opportunities and challenges associated with the rapidly expanding global halal market.

Malaysian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Mohd Shuhada Othman and Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Anwar Shahid also addressed the seminar.

The discussions focused on the growing international demand for halal products and the scope for strengthening cooperation between Bangladesh and Malaysia in developing the sector.

The seminar ultimately underscored a broader message: halal products are no longer simply a matter of faith or culture. They represent a potentially significant economic and development opportunity.

For Bangladesh, turning that opportunity into reality will depend on investment, knowledge, quality standards, credible certification, business innovation and stronger international partnerships. With the right policies and coordinated initiatives, the country`s halal sector could open new doors for Bangladeshi entrepreneurs and businesses in the global marketplace.