November 20, 2006

Aussie beef producers keen on Malaysian halal market

Australia has lately been keen to partner Malaysian firms, especially those involved in halal food production, to increase export of beef to that country.

Malaysia's position as a hub for the halal market and recognition of its halal certification globally could help Australia tap into a lucrative global market, felt Australian trade commission's senior trade commissioner and minister-counsellor (commercial) Peter Kane.

He noted that a number of slaughter houses in Australia were currently Syariah-compliant and had switched to producing halal meat products, thus enabling them to cater to both the halal and non-halal markets.

Australia-Malaysia export ties could prove to be a a win-win situation for both countries given Australia's position as a leading producer of wheat and beef and Malaysia's as a halal hub, Kane said.

Australia's main beef markets are the US, Japan and Canada with a global export market worth A$5 billion (US$4 billion). Beef exports to Malaysia are worth A$20 million (US$15 million) a year.

Besides increasing its market share, Australia also plans to work with local companies to provide nutrition for the local cattle industry.

Malaysia imported about 32,870 tonnes of Australian beef valued at RMB43.5 million (US$5.5 million) last year and about 63,540 tonnes valued at RMB58.5 million (US$7.4 million) in 2004.

Australia also seeks to participate in the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Show (MAHA) at the Malaysia-Agro Exposition Park starting November 21.