Australasia
NZ close to reopening halal trade
By The Dominion Post
Apr 17, 2007, 08:44

New Zealand could be on the verge of resuming its $80 million a year beef and sheep meat export trade with Malaysia, almost two years after it was suspended.

Speaking in Wellington yesterday, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Malaysian Minister of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry, said a team of inspectors were in New Zealand to inspect seven abattoirs this week.

Malaysia withdrew recognition of New Zealand's "halal" certification in July 2005.

It had concerns about electric immobilisation and "thoracic sticking" - severing major blood vessels around the heart to drain the blood and make the animal die faster.

Halal refers to food that is permissible under Islamic law.

The Malaysian Star reported at the weekend that Malaysia's Fatwa Council had ruled thoracic sticking was allowed, subject to conditions.

Mr Yassin said Malaysia wanted "business as usual", but it was important for those with halal certification to comply strictly to those rules.

"For Malaysia and Malaysian consumers, halal certification is important. There is no way you can compromise on those issues."

Mr Yassin told delegates at a conference promoting understanding of halal that Malaysia was aiming to become a world hub for halal products and services.

Malaysia is chair of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference and has proposed a protocol on procedures and management of halal products.

Mr Yassin estimates there are 1.8 billion Muslim consumers spread over 112 countries. The global market value for halal food was now estimated to be worth $US580 billion ($NZ784 billion), he said.

However, including non-food products such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, leather products and financial and hotel and catering services, it could be as much as US$2.1 trillion.

Mr Yassin said New Zealand should work with Malaysia and enter joint ventures to take advantage of its planned hub status.

Preparing food and other products under halal rules meant acceptance of products by Muslim communities and non-Muslim communities alike, as the method of slaughter and preparation was not such an issue for non-Muslims.

New Zealand's meat export industry was also missing out to Australia, South Africa and India, where halal butchery was becoming common.

Meat Industry Association policy advisor Dave Harrison said Malaysia was an important market and the industry had been working with the Malaysian authorities to regain access.

New Zealand meat exports to Malaysia in 2004 included 8400 tonnes of beef and 10,000 tonnes of offal, together worth $54.1 million, and 6100 tonnes of sheep meat worth $23.4 million.



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