The Halal Development Corporation Berhad (HDC) today had the honor of hosting His Excellency Rustam. N. Minnikhanov, Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan, along with a high-level delegation, as part of his official visit to Malaysia from August 12 -13, 2024. The visit accentuates the strengthening ties between Malaysia and the Republic of Tatarstan, particularly in the rapidly growing global Halal economy.
H.E Minnikhanov, accompanied by His Excellency Nail Latypov, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Malaysia, Mr. Midkhat Shagiakhmetov, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of the Republic of Tatarstan, was welcomed by the Chairman of HDC, Khairul Azwan Harun and its senior management team at HDC office. The meeting provided a platform for both parties to discuss strategic collaborations and explore new opportunities within the Halal industry.
The visit builds on the strong connections established during HDC’s participation in the Kazan Forum in May 2024. Discussions during the meeting centered on potential partnerships to enhance economic ties and expand the reach of Halal products and services. Azwan said, “I am confident that the discussions during today’s meeting would lead to productive collaborations that would benefit both nations, especially in the context of the global Halal economy.”
During the meeting, both parties engaged in discussions on potential partnerships and initiatives that could strengthen economic ties and expand the reach of Halal products and services. The visit of Rais R.N. Minnikhanov to HDC marked a significant step in reinforcing the relationship between Malaysia and the Republic of Tatarstan, particularly in developing and strengthening mutual interests in the Halal sector.
The Russian domestic market for halal food products is showing stable growth. This has been shown with the latest figures of halal products produced in Tatarstan (an autonomous federation republic where the Muslim population exceeds 40% of the total Muslim population in the Russian Federation) reached USD 137 million or 3% of the republic’s gross agricultural output value in 2020.
Trade between Malaysia and Russia has seen steady growth too, particularly in Halal-certified food products, agriculture and palm oil. Halal export value from Malaysia to Russia was recorded at RM465.7 million in 2022 as compared to RM351.6 million in 2021. The cooperation in the Halal economy is expected to further diversify and expand, contributing to the economic development of both countries.
This strategic partnership between Malaysia and Russia signifies the global reach of “Halal Malaysia” and seeks to capitalize on the rising interest in Halal, increasing trade and investment opportunities.
Source : Tribune International