10 Cover Story
10 Cover Story
@ Halal | March-April . 2024
Dato ' Seri Dr . Ahmad Zahid Hamidi chaired the roundtable session in Osaka , Japan .
Forging halal connections
HDC ’ s ongoing collaboration efforts between Malaysia and Japan
BY ADELINE ANTHONY ALPHONSO
IN a landmark move aimed at strengthening ties between Japan and Malaysia in the halal industry , the Halal Development Corporation Berhad ( HDC ), led by its Chairman Khairul Azwan Harun , travelled with Deputy Prime Minister Dato Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi , for an official visit to Osaka , Japan .
This visit aimed to foster trade , investment and employment opportunities through a pivotal roundtable titled “ Connecting the Halal Ecosystem between Japan and Malaysia ”.
Attended by representatives from 20 distinguished Japanese companies , the roundtable session took place in Osaka , recognised as Japan ’ s second-largest industrial zone , highlighting its potential for the growth of the halal industry .
With Malaysia ’ s global leadership in the halal ecosystem , the delegation ’ s visit aimed to leverage synergies between the two nations , particularly in preparation for the World Expo Osaka 2025 .
Azwan remarked : “ The choice of Osaka as the cornerstone of our mission reflects our unwavering commitment to unlocking the vast potential of the halal industry .
“ Our roundtable session serves as a platform to forge meaningful connections , driving innovation , and propelling halal trade to unprecedented heights .”
The visit ’ s outcome reaffirmed Malaysia ’ s commitment to halal diplomacy and underscored its pivotal role in shaping the global halal landscape .
With robust halal trade ties already established between Malaysia and Japan , the participation of the Deputy Secretary General ( Bilateral Affairs ) representing the Foreign Ministry , Dato ’ Ahmad Rozian Abdul Ghani , further demonstrated the seriousness and commitment of both nations to advancing these initiatives .
“ We are thrilled to witness the fruits of our anticipation taking shape as we embark on this journey of collaboration and growth ,” Azwan added .
Two Memoranda of Understanding ( MoU ) were signed during the roundtable session ,
“ The choice of Osaka as the cornerstone of our mission reflects our unwavering commitment to unlocking the vast potential of the halal industry . Our roundtable session serves as a platform to forge meaningful connections , driving innovation , and propelling halal trade to unprecedented heights .”
– Khairul Azwan Harun
with Zahid as a witness .
The first MoU , between HDC and AEON Co . ( M ) Berhad , aimed to promote Malaysian halal products in Japan , facilitating market entry for Malaysian businesses and providing halal training programmes for Japanese companies with HDCs Halal Integrated Platform ( HIP ).
The second MoU , between HDC and Japan Halal Association ( JHA ), focused on enhancing halal infrastructure and certification in Japan , promoting halal integrity globally .
“ Through concerted efforts and strategic partnerships , we are poised to elevate Malaysia ’ s stature as a beacon of excellence in the halal ecosystem ,” Azwan concluded . –