{
  "id": 17940760,
  "title": "HDC eyes market opportunities for Palestinian halal products",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/03/hdc-eyes-market-opportunities-for-palestinian-halal-products",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-11-03T08:33:38.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/business/corporate/2026/11/1569874/hdc-eyes-market-opportunities-palestinian-halal-products"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Halal Development Corporation Bhd (HDC) aims to assist Palestinian businesses in accessing Malaysia's halal market. This follows the Palestine Standards Institution (PSI) being recognized by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) as a certified foreign halal certification body. HDC chairman Prof Dr Mohd Afandi Salleh emphasized turning this recognition into concrete business prospects by aiding Palestinian producers in comprehending local market demands, establishing connections with purchasers and distributors, and equipping their products for entry into the market. HDC will collaborate with relevant partners to facilitate industry engagement and commercial affiliations. In 2025, Malaysia's halal exports amounted to RM68.52 billion, marking a 10.9 percent increase from the previous year. Food and beverages constituted RM36.86 billion, or 53.8 percent, of these exports, while halal ingredients contributed RM21.39 billion, or 31.2 percent. The recognition encompasses eligible products such as food and beverages, raw materials, cosmetics, personal care products, and pharmaceuticals, provided they meet all requisites. Afandi recognized the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry's role in promoting collaboration among PSI, HDC, and Jakim. However, he stressed that halal certification alone does not guarantee market entry, as businesses must also adhere to Malaysia's import, product safety, labeling, and other regulatory requirements. Afandi expressed that trade could supplement humanitarian assistance by supporting Palestinian businesses in maintaining their operations and livelihoods, while simultaneously generating commercial prospects that align with Malaysia's halal and regulatory standards.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Halal Development Corporation Bhd (HDC) will help Palestinian businesses tap Malaysia’s halal market.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}