Cambodia enlists Malaysia to support halal strategy

In a meeting in Phnom Penh with Malaysia’s top religious official, Jamil Khir, Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen said his country had been taking steps to diversify its production base from traditional industries and was keen to develop its food sector. “ We want to encourage halal training for Muslim people and to encourage Islamic investors to come to Cambodia to promote halal food production for export ,” Hun Sen said, adding that the country’s burgeoning relationship with Malaysia could help in its aims. Jamil agreed to refer Hun Sen’s proposals to Malaysia’s halal food manufacturers and regulators. Cambodia plans to finalise draft regulations on halal food certification by the end of the year. These will be sent to Malaysia for scrutiny before they are implemented, said Sos Mousine, the Cambodian official who is steering the process. The new rules are intended to make it easier for entrepreneurs to open halal restaurants that meet strict standards. “ Anyone, including Muslims, non-Muslims and foreigners, will be able to open a halal restaurant, as long as they follow the criteria for halal standards set by the committee ,” Sos Mousine said. “ Now we have a direct flight from Dubai to Cambodia with Emirates, more tourists will come if they know they can find halal food ,” he said. The Commerce Ministry has been supporting a drive towards halal food production, its spokesman has said. “ It benefits not only local Cambodian Muslims, but also all Muslim people, especially Muslim tourists .” Two Malaysia-based Islamic financial institutions are expected to open their first Phnom Penh branches in the next 18 months to assist Muslim businesses in Cambodia.

Cambodia enlists Malaysia to support halal strategy

Cambodia has called on Malaysia to help develop its halal industry in a bid to boost exports, drive tourism and attract investment from the Middle East.

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