Uzbekistan and Malaysia expand cooperation in Halal certification

Issues of expanding cooperation between Uzbekistan and Malaysia in Halal certification were discussed with representatives of the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM).

The parties exchanged information on JAKIM’s long-term experience and international activities, as well as on those of the authorized state body coordinating the activities of conformity assessment bodies.

The parties stressed that the inclusion of Uzbekistan’s national Halal certification body in the JAKIM register is important for domestic producers. This will increase product recognition on international markets, expand export geography, simplify foreign trade procedures, and reduce time and costs.

The implementation of standards developed by the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC) was discussed during the negotiations. The standards aim to ensure that products comply with Islamic law and sanitary and hygienic requirements at all stages of production – from raw materials to finished products.

The partners were informed about ongoing reforms in Uzbekistan in the areas of technical regulation, standardization, and conformity assessment, as well as measures to implement international standards and modern quality control mechanisms. They expressed interest in expanding cooperation in Halal certification and in implementing promising joint projects in this area.

Shakhnoza Mamaturopova, UzA