The Philippine Embassy in Malaysia engaged in a productive discussion with top executives of Halal Development Corporation Berhad (HDC) on July 9, 2024.
Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Maria Angela Ponce led the Philippine delegation, which included Vice Consul Vanessa Orbigo, Commercial Attaché Norjamin Delos Reyes, and Attaché Hannah Patricia De Castro.
Representing HDC were Chairperson Khairul Azwan Harun, Head of International Cooperation Mohamad Romzi Sulaiman, Head of Consultancy and Advisory Mohd Dhaliff Ghaus Mohd Anuar, and Special Officer of the Chairperson’s Office Hasimah Saiden.
The meeting highlighted the strategic importance of enhancing bilateral cooperation between the Philippines and Malaysia, particularly in light of the Philippine Halal Industry Development Strategic Plan 2023-2028.
“Both sides expressed optimism about advancing cooperation and capacity building to further promote the halal industries of both countries,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) stated.
HDC, under the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI), is the world’s first government-backed halal industry development corporation. It spearheads the development of Malaysia’s integrated and comprehensive halal ecosystem and infrastructure, positioning Malaysia as a leader in the global halal market.
“During the visit, we established a mutual understanding of halal cooperation between the Philippines and Malaysia, covering various aspects of the growing halal industry,” HDC said in a separate statement.
“Through the Halal Diplomacy Framework, HDC will support the development of the halal industry in the Philippines, aiding local businesses in accessing the large market of over 10 million Muslim consumers in the Philippines,” it added.
