News From : DagangHalal.com (17 Dec 2010)
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec. 17, 2010 (News Agencies)– .
New Zealand’s halal trade is expected to grow after it regained access to Malaysia’s $666 million halal meat market. This comes in the light of a deal signed between the two countries which sets out guidelines on how New Zealand can comply with Malaysia’s halal regulations.
New Zealand exported $60.8 million of lamb, mutton and beef to Malaysia in the 12 months ended Sept. 30, with shipments recovering from a low plumbed in the same period of 2006, when just $24.2 million was sold. Sales in 2004 were $76 million.
“This has been a long-standing issue and I am very pleased that we have been able to work with Malaysia to find a path that will improve access for our meat exporters,” said Trade Minister Tim Groser.
The agreement signed this week is “an important first step towards improving access” but doesn’t yet signal Malaysia will open up its market. The issue of export restrictions was taken up at a government to government level in 2008.New Zealand introduced standards for halal certification this year in an effort to provide reassurance to religious auditors in Muslim countries.
– Halal.com