Malaysia eyes halal exports to Middle East in bid for new markets amid US trade tensions
Malaysian businesses are eyeing more sales to Gulf nations, whose burgeoning Muslim populations need a wider range of halal products – from pet food to cosmetics – and are willing to pay trusted sources for them.
Majority-Muslim
Malaysia is a global leader in halal products and has a rigorous certification regime recognised by scores of Muslim nations and bodies worldwide.
Qatar ,
Kuwait ,
Businesses selling to the six oil-rich nations of
Saudi Arabia , the
United Arab Emirates
Oman and
Bahrain who make up the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) – a bloc seeking a trade alliance with Southeast Asia – are looking for deeper market access to the Gulf as the US strangles access to its giant consumer base.
Edwin Suhairi, who imports and exports cosmetic products between Malaysia and the Middle East, said he hoped negotiations this week between
Asean and the GCC would cut the red tape at Gulf ports.
'Demand is still growing. A more streamlined process would be beneficial for my business,' he said, adding that Malaysian sales of Middle Eastern cosmetics had also increased amid boycotts of Western brands over the Israeli assault on Palestinians in
Gaza
Muslim women look at Islamic beauty products in Malaysia. Demand for halal cosmetics has risen in the country. Photo: Shutterstock
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