ASEAN SUMMIT 2025

@ Halal | November-December. 2025

beverage, banking, insurance, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals,” Zahid said.

He noted that Malaysia, through the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia( JAKIM) and the Malaysian Halal Council, has long been regarded as a global leader in halal certification.

Malaysia’ s system, he said, has become a benchmark for many countries, including those looking to strengthen governance and build consumer confidence in halal supply chains.

• Malaysia and New Zealand renewed their halal cooperation at the ASEAN Summit 2025 in Kuala Lumpur.

• The collaboration aims to harmonise halal standards, enhance mutual recognition, and open new market opportunities across ASEAN.

• New Zealand’ s Dave Ananth highlighted Malaysia’ s leadership in setting trusted halal benchmarks.

Beyond policy discussions and trade negotiations, the gathering also spotlighted one of the region’ s most dynamic growth areas- the halal industry.

During the summit, Malaysia emerged once again as a central figure in shaping ASEAN’ s halal agenda, particularly through plans to establish the ASEAN Halal Council.

This proposed council aims to harmonise standards and elevate the region’ s global competitiveness in halal trade and governance.

“ Malaysia is globally respected for halal governance through JAKIM, and New Zealand recognises that credibility.”

EXPANDING GLOBAL REACH: The partnership reflects ASEAN’ s growing focus on halal diplomacy and regional economic integration.

CROSS-BORDER COOPERATION: Both nations aim to align standards through the ASEAN Halal Council and Halal Implementation Arrangement.

Among the most notable developments was New Zealand’ s expression of interest in joining the council, signalling the country’ s readiness to deepen its engagement with ASEAN and expand halal cooperation with Malaysia.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who also chairs Malaysia’ s National Halal Council, welcomed New Zealand’ s intent during the Halal Diplomacy event hosted by the country on the sidelines of the summit.

He said Malaysia was pleased to see non- ASEAN partners recognising the universal values represented by halal values rooted not only in faith but also in integrity, quality and transparency.

“ Halal is not just for Muslims. It represents high standards of quality, safety and integrity across sectors such as food and

MALAYSIA – NZ HALAL PACT

New Zealand’ s Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, joined Zahid at the event, where both leaders witnessed the exchange of notes on the enhanced Halal Implementation Arrangement( HIA) between JAKIM and New Zealand authorities.

The upgraded agreement will streamline certification processes, reduce duplications, and boost the credibility of halal supply chains between the two nations.

Zahid noted that New Zealand has been a reliable partner in halal assurance, adding that all chicken products produced in the country are halal-certified with complete government oversight.

The strengthening of ties was also welcomed by New Zealand Malaysian Business Association( NZMBA) president Dave Ananth, who described the move as a strategic step towards deeper regional cooperation.

“ Malaysia is globally respected for halal governance through JAKIM, and New Zealand recognises that credibility,” he said in a statement.

HALAL PROGRESS

According to Ananth, this collaboration will open new opportunities for New Zealand exporters to access larger Muslim markets across ASEAN while driving investments and halal tourism ventures at home.

He added that halal today represents one of the fastest-growing global sectors, extending into pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, finance, and hospitality— areas where Malaysia continues to set international standards.

Ananth further suggested that JAKIM expand its presence in New Zealand to strengthen mutual trust and establish a direct channel for certification and training.

Ananth mentioned:“ JAKIM’ s brand is the gold standard worldwide.

“ Having JAKIM represented in New Zealand would give greater assurance to halal-importing nations and unlock major opportunities in food exports, halal logistics and Muslim-friendly tourism.”

Both Zahid and Ananth shared a common view that ASEAN’ s nearly 700 million population represents an enormous market for halal goods and services. Malaysia, already a regional leader, seeks to position itself as the halal gateway to ASEAN.

At the same time, New Zealand’ s participation promises to enhance the region’ s credibility and competitiveness globally.-