BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 16. The halal industry
is one of the main drivers of global economic growth, said senior
Malaysian trade official, Trend's correspondent reports from the event.


Raja Badrulnizam, Director General of the Malaysian External
Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), made the remarks at event
titled "Champions of the Halal Industry Driving Innovation, Trust,
and Global Growth,” held as part of the Islamic Development Bank
(IsDB) Group Annual Meeting in Baku.


According to Raja Badrulnizam, Malaysia’s halal sector initially
developed to meet domestic demand before expanding into
international markets.


He said that although Malaysia had a relatively small
population, growing demand eventually pushed the country to expand
halal production globally, with this process supported by strong
political will and a structured national policy framework.


According to him, Malaysia is currently implementing its “Halal
Master Plan 2030,” which outlines the strategic direction of the
halal industry within the country’s broader economic development
agenda.


He added that the sector’s growth has been driven by close
coordination between government agencies, standard-setting bodies,
food safety institutions, and the private sector, which has helped
strengthen international trust in Malaysian halal
certification.







According to Raja Badrulnizam, the Malaysia International Halal
Showcase (MIHAS) has become the world’s largest halal trade
exhibition, attracting buyers from dozens of countries each year
and expanding global trade links for halal products.


He also said Malaysia is sharing expertise with partner
countries through the Islamic Development Bank’s “Reverse Linkage”
program.


According to him, Malaysia’s halal standards and certification
system are widely recognized internationally, enhancing the
competitiveness of its products in global markets.


Raja Badrulnizam added that Malaysia’s 47 overseas trade offices
support exporters abroad, contributing to a strong ecosystem that
continues to reinforce the country’s position in the global halal
industry.