Malaysia, Singapore to deepen halal-related trade, investments

Malaysia and Singapore have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen bilateral halal-related trade and investment relations. At the Third Annual Ministerial Dialogue (3rd AMD) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 1 October 2026, co-chairs YB Datuk Seri Johari bin Abdul Ghani, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Malaysia and HE Gan Kim Yong, Deputy PM and Minister for Energy, Trade and Industry (Trade), Singapore discussed the growing global demand for halal products and services. 

 

Both sides agreed to explore opportunities for deeper cooperation, capacity building, and investment across halal-related sectors. Singapore is Malaysia’s second-largest halal export destination, with exports valued at RM7.1 B in 2025 according to the Halal Development Corporation*.

Both Ministers highlighted the complementary strengths of the two economies, noting that Malaysia’s well-established halal industrial ecosystem, combined with Singapore’s extensive global trade networks, financing capabilities, and research and development (R&D) expertise, could create opportunities for higher-value commercial partnerships and
investments. 

Both Ministers acknowledged the ongoing discussions on mutual recognition of halal certification and encouraged both sides to explore avenues towards formalising an arrangement that would facilitate halal trade and promote greater business opportunities for the benefit of businesses and consumers in both countries.

Both sides further agreed to explore linkages between Singapore-based enterprises and HALMAS-certified Halal Parks across priority areas, subject to commercial interests, in areas such as food processing; halal ingredients; alternative
proteins; cosmetics; and cold-chain logistics.

Malaysia also encouraged Singaporean businesses to leverage platforms such as the just-concluded Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) to identify business, investment and partnership opportunities. To support these efforts, both countries discussed potential greater collaboration in capacity building, technology and knowledge exchange, as well as stronger institutional linkages among relevant business chambers and industry associations.

The 2nd AMD was hosted by Singapore in 2024. Singapore is Malaysia’s second-largest trading partner and an important source of foreign direct investment (FDI), while Malaysia continues to be Singapore’s third-largest trading partner. In 2025, Malaysia-Singapore total trade reached a record high of US$94.07 B, an increase of 8.5% compared to 2024 according to the Department of Statistics, Malaysia.

*October 1 2026. Presentation at the 3rd Annual Ministerial Dialogue between Malaysia and Singapore.