HDC and MFW Partner to Strengthen Halal Trade and Certification Between Malaysia and China

The Halal Development Corporation Berhad (HDC), an agency under Malaysia’s Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), has announced a strategic partnership with Muslim Friendly Watch (MFW) aimed at advancing Malaysia’s Halal Diplomacy agenda, with a strong focus on deepening engagement with China’s rapidly growing halal market.

China is fast becoming a pivotal player in the global halal economy, driven by a domestic Muslim population exceeding 20 million and rising demand for halal-certified products among both Muslim and non-Muslim consumers. In 2024, China ranked among the top two destinations for Malaysia’s halal exports, accounting for RM7.04 billion in trade value. These exports spanned key sectors such as food and beverages, palm oil derivatives, industrial chemicals, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

China’s halal market is further expanding due to its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the development of halal industrial zones in provinces like Ningxia and Xinjiang, and the growth of cross-border e-commerce platforms catering to halal-conscious consumers.

Related: MATRADE and HDC Join Forces to Boost the Halal Trade and Industry Ecosystem

Creating a Structured Path for Halal Certification and Market Entry

The HDC–MFW collaboration is designed to provide a structured, efficient pathway for Chinese businesses seeking alignment with Malaysia’s internationally recognized halal standards. The partnership will leverage MFW’s Muslim-friendly guidelines alongside HDC’s technical and regulatory expertise to facilitate:

• Enhanced credibility for Chinese halal products

• A simplified transition from Muslim-friendly status to full halal certification

• Greater compliance with emerging halal regulations in China

As China works to streamline its fragmented halal certification ecosystem, this partnership will support its efforts to enhance product integrity and boost export confidence to Muslim-majority countries.

Empowering Malaysian SMEs to Enter China’s Halal Economy

Beyond supporting Chinese businesses, the partnership also opens new opportunities for Malaysian halal SMEs looking to penetrate China’s dynamic consumer market. Joint initiatives will include:

• Access to digital halal market ecosystems

• Financing and business matching support for both B2B and B2C engagements

• Increased exposure on major Chinese e-commerce platforms

To build consumer trust and ensure regulatory compliance, the two organizations will also co-develop stakeholder engagement programs, awareness campaigns, and implement the Muslim Choice System, a framework that promotes transparency and accountability in halal offerings.

Leadership Remarks: Advancing Halal Diplomacy Through Innovation

“This strategic partnership reflects our commitment to expanding Malaysia’s leadership in the global halal economy and deepening our Halal Diplomacy efforts,” said Hairol Ariffein Sahari, CEO of HDC.
“Together with MFW, we aim to strengthen bilateral halal business ties with China and harness digital platforms to broaden market access. This collaboration sets a new standard for quality, transparency, and international trust in Malaysia’s halal certification.”

Noorman Kamsani, President of Muslim Friendly Watch, echoed this sentiment:

“Our partnership with HDC is a milestone in elevating the credibility of Muslim-friendly offerings. By providing a clear pathway toward full halal certification, we enable businesses to meet consumer expectations while aligning with global halal standards.”

A Shared Vision for Global Halal Leadership

Effective immediately, the HDC–MFW partnership underscores a shared vision to foster a transparent, inclusive, and globally integrated halal ecosystem. It also reinforces Malaysia’s strategic position as a leader in international halal diplomacy, especially in advancing economic cooperation with high-potential markets like China.

As halal consumer demand continues to evolve beyond religious boundaries into ethical consumption, sustainability, and quality assurance, this cross-border collaboration signals a bold step toward a future-ready, values-driven halal industry.