New Zealand and Malaysia have 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 on Wednesday 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.

The government said New Zealand exported over 60 million NZ dollars ($35.68 million) in halal meat to Malaysia last year. 

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 anticipated 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,” Mr Hoggard said.

He added that work is underway to simplify export rules for New Zealand producers, with updates to registration, documentation, processing, and packaging requirements. 

(Xinhua/NAN)