HDC’s ongoing collaboration efforts between Malaysia and Japan
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, 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. –
