Pakistan and Malaysia are working to strengthen cooperation in the halal agri-food sector, rice exports and food security.
Senior Pakistani officials held a series of meetings in Kuala Lumpur with Malaysian authorities and industry representatives.
The discussions focused on expanding agricultural trade and improving cooperation on halal certification standards.
Pakistan Malaysia Halal Cooperation Focuses on Rice Exports
Federal Secretary for National Food Security and Research Amer Ali Ahmed and Federal Secretary for Commerce Jawad Paul led the Pakistani side.
Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Malaysia Syed Ahsan Raza Shah also joined the meetings.
The officials met with the Group CEO of BERNAS, Dato’ Dr. Sirajuddin bin Suhaimee, and his management team.
They discussed ways to increase Pakistani rice exports to Malaysia while meeting BERNAS quality requirements.
The talks also highlighted Pakistan’s participation in the Malaysia International Halal Showcase, known as MIHAS.
Both sides discussed stronger market connections and increased bilateral trade.
Halal Certification Cooperation Under Discussion
Amer Ali Ahmed also met Dato’ Dr. Sirajuddin bin Suhaimee, Director General of Malaysia’s JAKIM.
The officials discussed closer cooperation in agriculture and halal-certified products.
They explored ways to improve halal certification standards, supply chains and market access.
The meeting also reviewed progress under the Memorandum of Understanding between JAKIM and the Pakistan Halal Authority.
The agreement was signed in October, with both sides now looking to develop stronger institutional and technical cooperation.
Pakistan Malaysia Agri-Food Trade to Expand
Another meeting brought Pakistani officials together with Datuk Seri Isham bin Ishak, Secretary General of Malaysia’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
The discussions covered several areas of the halal agri-food sector.
These included rice, meat, poultry, fisheries and aquaculture technologies.
Officials also discussed animal vaccines, biosecurity measures and halal gelatin supplies.
Both sides stressed the need for stronger institutional links and greater technical cooperation.
Joint Mechanism Planned for Further Cooperation
Pakistan and Malaysia also agreed to establish a formal mechanism for continued engagement.
The process will begin with a joint virtual meeting planned for November.
Officials said the mechanism would help both countries improve agricultural trade, technical cooperation and knowledge sharing.
Broader Pakistan Malaysia Trade Relations
The latest discussions build on wider efforts to expand economic cooperation between Pakistan and Malaysia.
Both countries have previously identified halal products, agriculture and food exports as areas with potential for stronger trade.
A 2025 Pakistan-Malaysia joint statement also highlighted cooperation on halal certification, halal food supply and product manufacturing.
The latest meetings therefore add a new focus on practical cooperation in rice, food products, certification and agricultural technology.
For Pakistan, expanding halal-certified exports could also open additional opportunities in Malaysia and other international markets.
The two countries will now continue discussions through the planned institutional mechanism.
