Muktadir calls for halal ecosystem to diversify Bangladesh’s exports

Commerce Minister Khandker Abdul Muktadir has urged Bangladesh to reduce its dependence on traditional export products and explore emerging sectors, calling for the development of a strong, internationally competitive halal ecosystem by drawing on the experience of ASEAN countries.
He made the call while addressing a seminar titled “Halal Ecosystem in the ASEAN Region: Prospects for Bangladesh”, organised by the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) on Wednesday.
The minister said the halal economy can no longer be confined to food and beverages. It has evolved into a large global economic system encompassing food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, modest fashion, tourism, logistics, technology, finance and international certification.
“First, we need to enhance our domestic production capacity to increase exports. This requires both local and foreign investment, while ensuring a safe and attractive environment for investors,” he said.
He said preferential market access is one of the key conditions for attracting investment. To retain export advantages after Bangladesh’s graduation from the least developed country (LDC) category, the government is pursuing free trade agreements (FTAs), preferential trade agreements (PTAs) and economic partnership agreements (EPAs) with various countries.
The minister stressed the need to establish an independent, reliable and internationally recognised halal certification system in Bangladesh. Such a system, he said, would enhance global confidence in Bangladeshi products and help create new export markets.
Speakers at the seminar said Bangladesh’s export sector has long been heavily dependent on the ready-made garment industry. To remain competitive in global trade, the country must diversify both its products and markets, with the halal economy offering a major opportunity.
They said Malaysia’s halal ecosystem could serve as an important model for Bangladesh. Malaysia has developed halal into a comprehensive economic system covering production, research, certification, marketing and exports.
Five strategic priorities were highlighted at the seminar: establishing an internationally recognised national halal assurance framework; developing specialised halal industrial clusters with modern laboratories and logistics facilities; upgrading existing industries to international standards; engaging SMEs, researchers and young entrepreneurs; and building a global “Bangladesh Halal Brand” through economic diplomacy.
BIISS Director General Major General A S M Ridwanur Rahman delivered the welcome remarks, while BIISS Research Director Dr Mahfuz Kabir presented the keynote paper.
Akhtar Hossain, Deputy Director of the Halal Certification (Livestock) Department of the Islamic Foundation, and S M Abu Sayeed, Deputy Director (Halal Certification) of Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI), took part in the panel discussion.
Speakers said Bangladesh could emerge as an important global halal hub if it combines religious values with product quality, safety, transparency and international credibility.