Barquisimeto, 1 June 2024 – The Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Malaysia recently met with the Mayor of Iribarren, Mr. Luis Jonás Reyes, to discuss potential trade collaborations between Malaysia and Venezuela, with a focus on opportunities in Lara State.
During the meeting, the Chargé d’Affaires shared highlights of Malaysia’s participation in the 2024 International Goat and Sheep Festival in Barquisimeto. He also informed Malaysia’s leadership in the global halal economy, emphasising the country’s well-developed halal industry ecosystem. The discussion also highlighted the immense potential of the international halal market, which is expected to grow to USD 5 trillion by 2030. The Chargé d’Affaires explained how non-Muslim-majority countries like Brazil, India, and the United States have become major exporters to halal markets worldwide, showcasing the inclusive and diverse nature of this industry.
The conversation also explored Venezuela’s potential in the halal sector. The Chargé d’Affaires pointed out that Venezuela has a strong foundation, with its sizable Muslim population and existing halal meat producers, to expand its domestic halal market. He shared Malaysia’s extensive experience in the industry, including its internationally recognised halal certification system managed by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM). Malaysia’s halal certification is accepted in over 150 countries, and the country’s 14 halal parks, spread across 10 states, have attracted USD 4.4 billion in investments, making Malaysia a leader in this field.
Mayor Luis Jonás Reyes expressed enthusiasm about the prospects of developing Venezuela’s halal industry. He highlighted the potential benefits for the local meat sector, including increased exports to international markets. The mayor acknowledged the importance of obtaining JAKIM’s halal certification, recognising it as a key step in achieving global recognition and expanding Venezuela’s reach in the halal market.