DagangHalal accelerates global growth with strategic entry into Central Asia
A core focus of this expansion is Central Asia, where DagangHalal aims to tap into the region's rapidly growing halal sector, valued at over US$453 billion across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
This strategic move has been significantly supported by Martin Ang, President of the Malaysian Consortium of Mid-Tier Companies (MCMTC), who has played a pivotal role in driving efforts to explore and unlock opportunities within this underpenetrated region.
DagangHalal's recent participation at THAIFEX–ANUGA ASIA 2025 in Bangkok, held from May 27 to 31, further solidified its regional presence.
The event, Asia's leading food and beverage trade show, served as a valuable platform for the company to strengthen its regional trade networks and showcase Malaysian MSMEs to a global audience.
'Our success at THAIFEX–ANUGA ASIA was a clear validation of our strong positioning within the ASEAN halal ecosystem,' said a DagangHalal spokesperson.
'It allowed us to connect Malaysian MSMEs with thousands of international buyers. But our ambitions reach beyond established markets. We are also laying strategic foundations in untapped regions such as Central Asia.
'Recent high-level engagements with Central Asian leaders mark a critical first step in opening access to this vast and underserved market.
'Our two-pronged approach—reinforcing our presence in ASEAN while expanding into new frontiers—enables us to deliver broader market access for our partners.'
To support Malaysian businesses entering these new markets, DagangHalal is leveraging its proprietary digital compliance platform, the Halal Internal Assurance System (HIAS).
The system simplifies halal compliance, enhances traceability, and improves operational efficiency—removing key barriers for companies seeking international market entry, including in Central Asia.
The company's presence at THAIFEX, which attracted over 88,000 visitors from 143 countries, also opened the door to new strategic partnerships across Asean, East Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
These alliances, combined with DagangHalal's expansion into Central Asia, form a powerful and interconnected halal trade network.
In alignment with Malaysia's ambition to be the global leader in halal commerce, DagangHalal's dual focus on market expansion and technological innovation represents a pivotal step in building a truly borderless halal ecosystem that empowers businesses worldwide.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
13 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
Jo Ghani: US' 19 per cent tariff on Malaysian palm oil competitive
PASIR GUDANG: The 19 per cent export tariff imposed by the United States (US) on Malaysian commodities, including palm oil, is considered competitive and not burdensome compared to other Asean countries, said Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani. Johari said Malaysia remained in a good competitive position as the tariff rate was among the lowest in the region. "The 19 per cent tariff imposed by the US on Malaysia is among the lowest in Asean countries. Even Indonesia, the world's largest palm oil producer, is subject to the same tariff rate. If we look at the context of palm oil commodities, Indonesia is the largest producer, number one in the world, and we are number two. But Indonesia is also subject to 19 per cent like Malaysia, so there is no problem, meaning we have a 'fair fight'," he said. He was speaking at a press conference after officiating the Pasir Gudang Umno Division Delegates Conference today. Also present was Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, who is also an Umno vice-president and Pasir Gudang Umno division chief. Malaysia was subjected to the 19 per cent tariff based on an executive order signed by US President Donald Trump. The document for the reciprocal tariff rate adjustment, signed by Trump on July 31, 2025, has been uploaded to the White House website. Previously, Trump set a 25 per cent tariff for Malaysia, but it is understood that a phone conversation between him and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday may have been a factor in the tariff reduction. Johari, who is also performing the duties of the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister, added that there had been no significant issues with the country's commodity exports due to the tariff rate. "Malaysia's commodity exports are still able to compete fairly in the international market. I don't see any problems so far with the 19 per cent tariff imposed by the US on our country's commodity exports," he said.
Malay Mail
43 minutes ago
- Malay Mail
US tariff cut, regional diplomacy signal Malaysia's return to global relevance under Anwar's leadership, says DAP sec-gen
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 2 — Malaysia is carving out a more influential role for the country and for Asean on the world stage, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke said today. He said the recent reduction of United States tariffs on Malaysian goods from 25 per cent to 19 per cent reflects how the country – and by extension, Asean, which it currently chairs – is regaining its footing globally under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. 'We are working to position ourselves as a 'middle power' while opening new strategic space for Malaysia to rise and advance once again,' Loke said in a statement. He added that Malaysia remains competitive even though it maintains a higher trade surplus with the US compared to its regional peers. 'Our current tariff rate is now on par with other countries in the region,' he noted. The US lowered trade tariffs for Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia to 19 per cent on July 31, while Singapore retained its rate at 10 per cent, Brunei at 25 per cent, Laos and Myanmar at 40 per cent. The new rates come into force from August 7. Loke said Malaysia's leadership as this year's Asean chair has also helped the country regain international relevance. He said Putrajaya played a key role in facilitating peace talks between Thailand and Cambodia, and confirmed that Trump would attend the upcoming Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur. This, Loke said, reflects growing confidence in Malaysia's leadership and diplomatic credibility. He credited Prime Minister Anwar's 'pragmatic, patient and constructive' approach for elevating Malaysia's position in regional security. Under the Madani government, he added, Malaysia has helped steer Asean into becoming a stronger and more cohesive bloc. Loke said Malaysia's diplomatic performance may not always make headlines, but the benefits are real — from easing trade tensions to fostering regional peace. 'The Madani government has not only delivered tangible economic benefits, but also elevated Malaysia's global standing,' he said.
New Straits Times
an hour ago
- New Straits Times
Exporters glad to remain competitive
KUALA LUMPUR: The United States' decision to reduce tariffs on Malaysian goods to 19 per cent has been welcomed by industry leaders and business groups as a timely move that could enhance the country's competitiveness in global trade. The Malaysian Furniture Council (MFC), Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) and various export-focused companies said the adjustment, though modest, helps Malaysia better align with regional peers and navigate the challenges of an increasingly cost-sensitive global economy. Furniture exporters see strategic realignment Malaysian Furniture Council president Desmond Tan said the tariff reduction brings Malaysia's treatment more in line with that of neighbouring Asean nations, helping preserve its relevance within the regional supply chain. "Hopefully these latest tariffs can reduce uncertainty. However, exporters will still need to adapt to a higher-cost trade environment and continued support from the government remains valuable," he told Business Times. On whether the impact will be felt by Malaysian exporters, Tan noted that US importers typically pass some or all of the tariff costs to end consumers or back to exporters through pricing negotiations. "In the near term, we do not anticipate a significant spike in export volumes as a result of the tariff cut. However, our members are using this window to consolidate operations, strengthen relationships, and prepare for any future shifts in demand," he said. Small reduction, big impact FMM president Tan Sri Soh Thian Lai said the six-point cut, while appearing small on paper, holds significance for sectors operating on tight margins or within highly competitive global supply chains. "The tariff cut enhances the cost competitiveness of Malaysian-manufactured goods in the US market and reflects improved bilateral trade relations," he added. Soh said the reduction enhances the overall cost competitiveness of Malaysian-manufactured goods in the US market and serves as an important signal of improved bilateral trade relations. While some may argue that the impact on Malaysian exporters could be limited because US importers bear the tariff cost, he said FMM believes that the burden of tariffs is often shared across the supply chain. "Therefore, a reduction in tariffs benefits not only Malaysian exporters but also US importers. "It improves the overall cost equation and can stimulate demand for Malaysian goods, especially in sectors where price plays a crucial role in purchasing decisions," he said. Palm oil and energy exporters take long-term view Pacific Inter-Link Sdn Bhd (PIL) chairman and group chief executive officer Datuk Fouad Hayel Saeed Anam called the tariff reduction a positive signal. He noted that the direct impact may be limited in the near term as the company's growth strategy is more focused on Latin America, Middle East, West Africa and Central Asia. "However, for the broader industry, especially palm oil exporters targeting the US market, this tariff cut improves price competitiveness and could open up opportunities for processed and specialty products," he said. He also urged the government to intensify efforts to open up new markets and support sustainability and environmental, social and governance (ESG) compliance to build long-term export resilience. Opens door for bio-based exports and SME growth For Glide Technology Sdn Bhd, which specialises in sustainable transformer oils and advanced lubricants, the tariff cut presents immediate commercial potential. "We see this as a strategic validation of Malaysian-made products. It enables us to fast-track exports of our MPOB-Glide Palm Oil-Ester Transformer Oil and other bio-based fluids to the US market," said its president and founder Datuk Muhazli Muhamad. Muhazli added that the tariff reduction may encourage more local small and medium enterprises to explore the US as a viable market. To support long-term growth, he proposed four key enablers including expanded trade financing, tax incentives for ESG-compliant manufacturing, sector-focused trade missions and improved logistics infrastructure. "Malaysia stands at an inflection point. With the right structural enablers, we can move up the global value chain not just as participants, but as leaders," he said.
