Pakistan and Malaysia have agreed to strengthen cooperation on Pakistani rice exports, halal certification and food security following talks in Kuala Lumpur. Both sides also agreed to establish a formal engagement mechanism, starting with a joint virtual meeting in November 2026.
Federal Secretary for National Food Security and Research Amer Ali Ahmed and Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul participated in the meetings. Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, Syed Ahsan Raza Shah, joined the discussions with Malaysian officials and rice-sector representatives.
The talks covered market access, food quality requirements and technical cooperation across several agricultural sectors. The announcement did not specify additional rice purchase volumes or a new supply contract.
Rice exports linked to quality standards
The Pakistani delegation met the group chief executive and management team of BERNAS to discuss increasing rice shipments to Malaysia.
Pakistan Agricultural Research Council Chairman Dr Syed Murtaza Hassan Andrabi and Department of Plant Protection Director General Yasin Murtaza also attended. Representatives of the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan and officials from the Pakistan High Commission joined them.
The discussions focused on expanding exports while ensuring strict compliance with BERNAS quality standards and requirements.
BERNAS serves as Malaysia’s state trading enterprise in the international rice market. Its responsibilities include supporting domestic market stability and national food security, making it a key counterpart for Pakistani exporters.
The engagement also reaffirmed Pakistan’s participation in the Malaysia International Halal Showcase, known as MIHAS. Both sides emphasised stronger market linkages, expanded bilateral trade and regional food security.
Halal certification framework under review
In a separate meeting, Amer Ali Ahmed held talks with Dato’ Dr Sirajuddin bin Suhaimee, director general of JAKIM. Senior Pakistan High Commission officials accompanied him.
The discussions covered halal certification standards, supply chains and improved market access for halal-certified agricultural and food products.
Officials reviewed progress under the memorandum of understanding between JAKIM and the Pakistan Halal Authority. The authority’s newsletter confirms that the two organisations signed the agreement in October 2025.
Both sides discussed turning that framework into closer institutional and technical cooperation. Their priorities included exchanging expertise, strengthening certification mechanisms and facilitating halal trade.
The talks build on the two countries’ broader commitment to cooperation in halal products and services.
Wider agricultural talks to continue in November
Ahmed, Paul and Shah also met Datuk Seri Isham bin Ishak, secretary general of Malaysia’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. Senior agricultural and technical officials from both countries participated.
Their agenda extended beyond rice to meat, poultry, fisheries and aquaculture technologies. Animal vaccines, biosecurity controls and halal gelatin supply also featured in the discussions.
Both sides sought opportunities to strengthen institutional links, facilitate agricultural trade and exchange technical knowledge.
The planned November virtual meeting will begin the agreed mechanism for continued engagement. That process will carry forward discussions on agricultural partnerships and trade in safe, quality and halal-certified food products.
