WELLINGTON, Jul 16 (NNN-RNZ) – New Zealand and Malaysia launched a joint initiative, to boost trade in premium halal meat, building on New Zealand’s strong halal processing reputation.
The move, unveiled at a Halal Forum in Wellington, today, and attended by high-level officials of both countries, is expected to open new export pathways for New Zealand producers, said a New Zealand government statement.
New Zealand exported over 60 million NZ dollars (35.68 million U.S. dollars) in halal meat to Malaysia last year, it said.
As part of the agreement, Malaysian authorities will visit several New Zealand facilities seeking access to the Malaysian market for the first time, a step considered crucial for further export growth.
With Malaysia’s population exceeding 35 million, officials from both countries anticipate significant market expansion, said New Zealand’s Minister for Food Safety, Andrew Hoggard.
“Once approved, this will boost returns for Kiwi farmers, processors and exporters,” Hoggard said, adding, work is underway to simplify export rules for New Zealand producers, with updates to registration, documentation, processing, and packaging requirements.– NNN-RNZ
