FOREIGN NEWS

@ Halal | March-April. 2026

The two countries recently signed an amended Memorandum of Understanding( MoU), signalling a renewed commitment to building a more integrated, transparent, and competitive halal ecosystem.

The updated agreement expands on an earlier MoU signed in Riyadh on October 19, 2023, reflecting both nations ' shared ambition to align their halal certification frameworks while adapting to the growing demands of international trade.

At its core, the collaboration focuses on aligning certification mechanisms, enhancing digital integration, and improving crossborder recognition. These key elements are necessary to facilitate smoother trade flows and boost consumer confidence in halal products.

This move comes at a time when the global halal market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by demand not only from Muslim consumers but also from a wider audience seeking quality-assured, ethically produced goods.

CROSS BORDER ALIGNMENT: Indonesia and Saudi Arabia strengthen cooperation to improve halal certification systems for a more integrated global ecosystem.( Image: Media Permata)

By streamlining certification processes and strengthening institutional cooperation, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia aim to position themselves as leading players in this expanding sector.

A major component of the agreement involves integrating digital systems for halal certification. Through improved data sharing and information exchange, both countries seek to create a more seamless process for businesses operating across borders.

This digital push is expected to enhance transparency while making it easier for companies to obtain and verify halal certification.

The partnership also formalises institutional recognition between the two nations. Saudi Arabia ' s halal authority, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority( SFDA), is acknowledged under Indonesia ' s halal assurance framework, enabling structured cooperation and mutual trust.

Such recognition is crucial in ensuring that certified products can move more seamlessly between markets without the need for repetitive verification procedures.

In addition, the agreement introduces updated guidelines on the use of halal logos, including the adoption of a global halal logo equipped with a QR code. This feature is designed to provide greater traceability and allow consumers to easily verify the authenticity of certified products, reinforcing trust in the system.

Set to remain in effect for five years with the possibility of automatic renewal, the amended MoU highlights a long-term commitment to collaboration.

As both countries continue to refine their halal ecosystems, the partnership is expected to serve as a model for international cooperation in the sector, supporting trade and the broader development of a unified global halal standard.

CANADA is stepping up efforts to strengthen its domestic halal food supply, with a new investment to expand beef processing capabilities in Atlantic Canada.

Atlantic Beef Products has secured federal funding of up to US $ 1.63 million to develop and expand halal-certified production at its Prince Edward Island facility.

The contribution is part of the Kosher and Halal Investment Programme, which supports food processors in adapting operations to meet faith-based certification requirements. The initiative reflects growing demand for halal products across the country, particularly in urban retail and foodservice markets.

The funding will be directed toward upgrading the company ' s federally licensed plant in Albany. Planned improvements include new processing and packaging systems designed to support retail-ready halal beef products.

These improvements are expected to increase production efficiency, improve yield recovery, and reduce operational waste.

Officials say the investment forms part of a broader strategy to modernise Canada ' s food processing sector while ensuring that production remains within national borders.

ELEVATING SUPPLY CHAINS: Facility upgrades aim to strengthen domestic production and meet rising demand for halal-certified beef products.( Image: Alamy)

Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald noted that such projects help expand market access for Canadian producers.

A key component of the upgrade involves installing advanced technologies to enhance food safety and processing efficiency.

These include steam vacuum systems to improve sanitation, upgraded meat recovery equipment to maximise usable output, and modified packaging lines to accommodate a wider range of halal-certified products for retail distribution.

The facility will also introduce an in-line X-ray analyser to improve fat content measurement and support quality control standards.

According to company president and Chief Executive Officer Russ

Mallard, the upgrades will enable the plant to handle halal processing entirely on site while meeting certification requirements.

The project aligns with Canada ' s Buy Canadian Policy, which prioritises domestically produced goods in procurement processes. By expanding local halal production, the initiative is expected to reduce reliance on imports while improving product availability for consumers.

Regionally, the investment carries added significance. Atlantic Beef Products operates the only federally registered beef processing plant east of Quebec, processing up to 750 cattle per week sourced from nearby provinces, including Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.

Industry participants note that expanding halal processing capacity could benefit local cattle producers by creating more stable demand. At the same time, it positions the region to serve better a growing segment of consumers seeking certified halal products.

As demand continues to rise, investments in infrastructure and technology may play a crucial role in shaping Canada ' s ability to meet evolving dietary needs while supporting domestic agriculture.-