PHNOM PENH: Malaysia has urged Cambodia to leverage its halal infrastructure, expertise and trade promotion networks to develop its own halal industry and tap into the growing global halal economy.
Malaysian Ambassador to Cambodia Shaharuddin Onn said Malaysia had long been recognised as a global model for halal economic development, ranking first in the Global Islamic Economy Indicator for the 12th consecutive year.
He said Malaysia had spent years building its halal ecosystem, covering standards and certification, industrial development, trade promotion, financing and access to international markets.
“By combining Cambodia’s aspirations with Malaysia’s experience, I believe we can work together to build a highly competitive regional halal value chain,” he said at the Malaysia-Cambodia Halal Forum: Unlocking Opportunities in the Global Halal Economy on Tuesday.
The global halal consumer market is currently estimated at US$3.5 trillion (RM14 trillion) and is projected to reach US$5 trillion (RM20 trillion) by 2030.
Cambodia, which has abundant agricultural resources, is diversifying its economy by exploring halal food production and Muslim-friendly tourism to capture a larger share of the expanding market.
Its agricultural products, including cashews, cassava, bananas, palm sugar, rice and mangoes, are already reaching international markets and offer opportunities for further development into processed foods and snacks.
Local companies such as Lyly Food Industry Co Ltd and Leang Leng Sauce Co Ltd have begun expanding their halal product ranges to meet growing domestic demand.
Shaharuddin said the forum was part of Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation with Cambodia by sharing its experience and expertise in halal economic development.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Business Chamber in Cambodia (MBCC) president Tan Khee Meng described Cambodia as a suitable partner for Malaysian manufacturers, citing its trade policies, key infrastructure and business opportunities.
He said Malaysian companies could establish production operations in Cambodia and export their products to other markets, benefiting from the country’s young workforce, relatively low labour costs and expanding middle-income population.
Speaking to Bernama on the sidelines of the event, Malaysian Islamic Development Department (JAKIM) Senior Principal Assistant Secretary of the Halal Management Division Siti Ayisah Surif said the agency could play an important role in strengthening Cambodia’s halal industry capabilities.
She said JAKIM had provided training and participated in several meetings over the years, adding that it remained committed to supporting foreign halal certification bodies with information, guidance and assistance when requested.
Malaysia-Cambodia bilateral trade exceeded US$1 billion for the first time last year, reflecting growing economic ties between the two countries.
In the first half of 2026, bilateral trade surged 51.1% to US$833 million (RM3.4 billion), compared with US$501 million (RM2.05 billion) in the corresponding period last year.
The one-day forum was organised by the Malaysian Embassy in Phnom Penh in collaboration with the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) in Ho Chi Minh City, JAKIM and MBCC.
– AWANI
