KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia and Brazil will enhance collaboration to tap the extensive global halal market which is anticipated to generate US$3 trillion (US$1=RM4.253) next year, said Agriculture and Food Security Deputy Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup.

Kurup said agricultural trade between the two countries has been on an upward trend, reaching RM6.4 billion in 2023.

‘Brazil is already a leading exporter of halal meat products to Muslim-majority countries, and Malaysia is recognised globally for its robust halal certification system managed by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM).

‘By aligning our respective strengths, we can expand our research and reach in the global halal market,’ he said at the Malaysian International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) here today.

Kurup was speaking at a networking event organised by the Brazilian Embassy in Malaysia, called Brazil Networking Day.

The deputy minister also said that Brazil and Malaysia are well-suited to work together because they each bring un
ique strengths to the agricultural sector that complement each other.

‘Whether it is Brazil’s technological advancements in grain corn production or Malaysia’s leadership in halal certification, the opportunities for collaboration are even.

‘By collaborating, Malaysia and Brazil can not only meet their domestic agricultural needs but also make a significant contribution to global food security,’ he said.

Meanwhile, Brazilian Ambassador to Malaysia, Ary Quintella, in his speech, said that hosting this networking event for the second year provides an opportunity to reaffirm two key points, which are Brazil’s recognition of MIHAS’s importance to the Islamic economy and Brazil’s status as a reliable source of high-quality and affordable halal products.

‘It is important to note that Brazil’s commitment to sustainable and ethical farming practices contributes to the global halal ecosystem.

‘The Brazilian government and agricultural sector have made significant investments in sustainable agriculture, ensuring t
hat halal products meet both Islamic dietary laws and environmentally friendly, socially responsible production standards,’ he said.

Quintella also said that 2024 will be regarded as a turning point in relations between Brazil and Malaysia in the future.

‘This is the year when it became clear how similar we are and how close we can be, with the first visit by a Brazilian foreign minister since 2017, the first visit to Brazil by a Malaysian prime minister since 2003, and the inaugural bilateral Political Consultations Meeting all taking place by the end of this year,’ he said.