The Halal Development Corporation Berhad (HDC) hosted His Excellency Rustam N. Minnikhanov, Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan, and his high-level delegation during their official visit to Malaysia on August 12-13, 2024. This visit highlights the strengthening relationship between Malaysia and Tatarstan, particularly in the burgeoning global Halal economy.
Accompanied by His Excellency Nail Latypov, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Malaysia, and Mr. Midkhat Shagiakhmetov, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Tatarstan, Rais Minnikhanov was welcomed by HDC Chairman Khairul Azwan Harun and the senior management team. The meeting served as a key platform for discussing strategic collaborations and exploring new opportunities within the Halal sector.
The visit builds on the foundation laid during HDC’s participation in the Kazan Forum in May 2024. Discussions focused on potential partnerships aimed at enhancing economic ties and expanding the reach of Halal products and services. Azwan expressed optimism, stating, “I am confident that the discussions during today’s meeting will lead to fruitful collaborations benefiting both nations, especially within the global Halal economy.”
The meeting underscored a commitment to developing and strengthening mutual interests in the Halal industry. The Rais’s visit represents a significant milestone in reinforcing Malaysia-Tatarstan relations, particularly in advancing the Halal sector.
The Russian halal food market is experiencing steady growth, with Tatarstan—a republic where Muslims make up over 40% of the population—reporting halal product production worth USD 137 million in 2020. This figure represents 3% of the republic’s gross agricultural output value.
Trade between Malaysia and Russia has also been on the rise, especially in Halal-certified food products, agriculture, and palm oil. Malaysia’s Halal exports to Russia reached RM465.7 million in 2022, up from RM351.6 million in 2021. The ongoing cooperation in the Halal economy is expected to further diversify and expand, benefiting the economic development of both countries.
This strategic partnership between Malaysia and Russia highlights the global influence of “Halal Malaysia” and aims to leverage the growing interest in Halal to boost trade and investment opportunities.
Source : BusinessToday
