MIHAS 2026: Uzbekistan Looks To Malaysia As ‘Good Teacher’ In Halal Industry
By Abdul Hamid A Rahman
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 25 (Bernama) -- Uzbekistan is looking to Malaysia as a “good teacher” as the Central Asian nation takes steps to strengthen its halal certification system and develop a broader halal ecosystem.
Uzbekistan Ambassador to Malaysia Dr Karomiddin Gadoev said Malaysia’s extensive experience in halal production, certification and ecosystem development offers valuable lessons for Uzbekistan.
“We are taking our steps in the halal industry, while Malaysia already has a very strong halal industry. Therefore, we are looking to your country as a good teacher,” he said during an interview with the Bernama Mobile Studio programme to discuss the topic of “Exhibiting at MIHAS 2026 and Global Halal Trade”.
He said Uzbekistan is working closely with the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) to establish a halal certification body as it seeks wider access for its products to Southeast Asian and global markets.
According to Gadoev, the proposed body would be the second of its kind in Central Asia after Kazakhstan and could open wider opportunities for Uzbek halal producers.
“JAKIM certification is well known and recognised in many countries. This would open wider doors for our halal producers, not only to Malaysia but also to Southeast Asia and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation countries,” he said.
Gadoev said Uzbekistan is also seeking to use Malaysia as a gateway to expand its halal products across Southeast Asia while drawing on the country’s expertise in halal certification and ecosystem development.
“Malaysia is strategically positioned at the centre of ASEAN nations, just as Uzbekistan occupies a central position in Central Asia, making both countries potential gateways to their respective regions,” he said.
He said Uzbekistan offers a diversified range of halal products, including fresh and dried fruits, processed agricultural products, meat and meat products, confectionery, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
“There is considerable room to expand bilateral trade, which stood at US$128 million in 2025, with Malaysian exports accounting for the larger share.
“Opportunities also exist for Malaysia to increase exports of food products, tropical fruits, meat, food ingredients, palm oil and palm-based products to Uzbekistan, which could serve as a regional distribution hub for Malaysian products in Central Asia — a market of more than 120 million people,” he said.
-- BERNAMA