Kazakhstan is participating for the first time in the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS), which is considered the world’s largest specialized platform for promoting halal products and services. The national pavilion of Kazakhstan at the exhibition showcases products from 20 domestic companies, demonstrating the country’s export potential in the halal sector.
MIHAS is held annually in Kuala Lumpur and serves as a global platform for establishing business connections, exchanging experience, and promoting halal products in international markets. Kazakhstan’s participation in the exhibition highlights the country’s commitment to actively entering the global halal ecosystem and strengthening economic ties with Southeast Asia.
On the first day of the visit to Malaysia, the Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Arman Shakkaliev, attended the opening of MIHAS-2025 and held a series of bilateral meetings aimed at developing economic partnership and deepening cooperation in key sectors. A bilateral meeting was held between the Minister of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan and Malaysia’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Mohamad Sabu.
The parties discussed prospects for cooperation in the agro-industrial complex, ensuring food security, and promoting products to new markets. During the meeting, special attention was paid to developing the agro-industrial complex and expanding Kazakhstan’s export opportunities.
The Kazakh side expressed readiness to expand exports of agricultural products to Malaysia at competitive prices, emphasizing that Kazakh halal standards are recognized by JAKIM. Issues of sanitary and veterinary approvals, opening new export directions, and joint investments in processing were also discussed.
Special attention was given to developing integrated logistics corridors, including the use of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route and the potential for establishing direct air links between the two countries. The Malaysian side expressed interest in sharing innovations and technologies in agriculture, as well as in developing academic and research programs.
“In the face of global food security challenges, joint efforts by Kazakhstan and Malaysia will ensure sustainable development and stability for both countries,” the ministers emphasized.
On the same day, the Minister of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan met with the leadership of the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (NCCIM), led by President N. Gobalakrishnan. Key areas of cooperation were discussed, including expanding trade, developing logistics, digitalization, green energy, the chemical industry, and the food sector. Special attention was paid to promoting halal products and creating joint investment projects.
The Kazakh side highlighted Malaysia’s role as a strategic hub for accessing Southeast Asian markets and emphasized opportunities for Malaysian companies to participate in projects in Kazakhstan and the Eurasian Economic Union countries.
The parties agreed to resume the work of the Kazakhstan-Malaysia Business Council and prepare the next meeting in 2026 in Kazakhstan, where new joint projects will be presented.
“We are confident that NCCIM will become an important bridge between the business circles of Kazakhstan and Malaysia, opening new opportunities for trade and investment,” said Arman Shakkaliev, Minister of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan.