Barquisimeto, 28 May 2024 – The Embassy of Malaysia in Caracas took part in the 6th International Sheep and Goat Fair held in Barquisimeto, the capital of Lara State, from 28 May until 2 June 2024. The event drew over 200 sheep and goat breeders, 100 companies, and various stakeholders from the agricultural sector. The Embassy used this platform to promote Malaysia's internationally recognised halal industry, showcasing its vast ecosystem and potential for international collaboration.
At the fair, the Embassy of Malaysia set up a dedicated booth to provide attendees with comprehensive insights into the global halal market, particularly Malaysia's position as a leading halal hub. The booth attracted considerable interest from both industry players and the general public, who were keen to learn about halal certification and the rigorous processes involved in ensuring compliance with international halal standards. Many participants were curious about the availability of halal-certified products in local markets, indicating potential opportunities for expansion in Venezuela.
Throughout the event, the Embassy engaged in key meetings with local officials, including representatives from the Chamber of Commerce of Lara State and the Office of International Trade under the Governor's Office. These discussions explored possible collaborations between Malaysia and Venezuela, particularly in enhancing the Venezuelan agricultural and livestock industries through halal certification and trade.
The Embassy also highlighted the global growth of the halal market, with Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries making up nearly 25% of the global population. With projections estimating that the halal market could reach USD 5 trillion by 2030, Malaysia, with its robust halal infrastructure and extensive international recognition, stands as an ideal partner for Venezuela in tapping into this lucrative market.
The Embassy further underscored Malaysia’s position as a leader in halal certification, with its standards recognized in over 150 countries. Malaysia’s Halal Parks, supported by a solid ecosystem, have attracted substantial international investments, positioning Malaysia as a strategic gateway for halal trade. Several Latin American countries, including Brazil and Argentina, are already working with Malaysia in halal trade, suggesting that Venezuela too could benefit from such partnerships.
The fair served as a productive avenue for the Embassy of Malaysia to introduce Malaysia’s halal industry and explore the potential for future collaborations between the two countries. The business community in Lara showed strong interest in incorporating halal certification into their operations, recognising the growing demand for halal products both locally and internationally.