Diplomatic Desk:
The global halal market size stood at about $2.6 trillion in 2024 and is expected to reach about $3.6 trillion by 2029, said Malaysian High Commissioner to Dhaka Shuhada Uthman. He said that the increasing number of Muslim population along with the increasing interest of global consumers in quality, safety and healthy products is rapidly accelerating the growth of the halal industry.
He made these remarks in her welcome address at a seminar titled ‘Think Halal, Grow Global: Strengthening Malaysia-Bangladesh Market Linkages and Leveraging Bangladesh’s Halal Industry for Global Growth’ organized by the Malaysian High Commission at a luxury hotel in the capital on Wednesday (August 19, 2026).
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan was present as the chief guest at the seminar.
Malaysian High Commissioner Shuhada Uthman said, “Halal is no longer limited to a religious requirement or a certificate. The halal industry is developing across a wide range of sectors of the global economy, including food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, tourism and hospitality, supply chain, finance and apparel. With the increasing number of consumers who value quality, safety, hygiene, ethics and trust, the market for halal products is also expanding rapidly.
He said, the vast global market has opened up great opportunities for Malaysia and Bangladesh. It is not enough to just participate in the halal economy; rather, businesses and industries must be built that can compete, cooperate and ensure sustainable growth in the global market. That is why the message of ‘Think Halal, Grow Global’ is very important.
Highlighting the potential of the halal industry in Bangladesh, the Malaysian High Commissioner said, “Due to the large population, growing economy, dynamic private sector and strong manufacturing capacity, there is huge potential for the halal industry in Bangladesh. It is possible to share Malaysia’s experience and expertise with Bangladesh to create new areas of cooperation between the two countries.”
He said, certification alone is not enough to build a strong halal industry. A combination of effective government policies, internationally recognized standards and certifications, skill development, research and innovation, financing and active participation of the private sector is needed. With a combination of these elements, Malaysia has built a strong halal ecosystem.
Shuhada Uthman called on Bangladeshi and Malaysian businessmen, relevant government authorities and industrial institutions to engage in joint ventures, investments, halal industry development, skill development, certification and standard setting, technology and knowledge exchange, supply chain development and business partnerships.
He said, a strategy needs to be formulated to reach Bangladeshi halal products and services not only to the Malaysian market but also to the international market including the wider ASEAN region. Similarly, Malaysian companies should not only see Bangladesh as a market of more than 180 million people; rather, they should consider Bangladesh as a product manufacturing, investment and business partner for the global halal economy.
Calling on Bangladeshi businessmen to participate in the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS), she said that MIHAS will be held in Malaysia from September 23 to 26. Bangladeshi companies should take advantage of the opportunity to participate in this international platform.
He said, MIHAS has already become an important international platform for connecting halal businesses, buyers, investors, policymakers and industry entrepreneurs from different countries of the world. It is a great opportunity for Bangladeshi companies to showcase products, find buyers and distributors, get an idea of the needs of the international market, build partnerships and connect with the global halal economy.
The High Commissioner expressed gratitude to the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) for providing support and incentives to the Bangladeshi companies participating in MIHAS.
He expressed hope that through such an event, new ideas, communication and partnerships will be created between the businesses and institutions of Bangladesh and Malaysia. The halal industry will serve as another important bridge in the bilateral relations of the two countries and create new opportunities to further strengthen the Bangladesh-Malaysia relationship.
Representatives and business leaders from various organizations including Halal Development Corporation Malaysia, Bangladesh Halal Certification Department, BIDA, Business Initiative Leading Development, Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry were present at the seminar.
