There is a huge global market for halal food, with consumers and investors increasingly ready to explore the potential of the sector, Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon said on Wednesday.

He said halal food culture and values could become a major asset not only for the Muslim world but also for humanity as a whole.

The minister made the remarks while addressing a seminar titled ‘Think Halal, Grow Global’, organised by the Malaysian High Commission in Dhaka at a city hotel.

He said the development of halal products and culture is not merely a religious or cultural matter but is also closely linked to the global economy and human welfare.

Referring to the shared religious and social values of Bangladesh and Malaysia, Swapon said the two countries could play an important role in developing the halal industry and expanding its global reach by drawing on their common values, cultural ties and experience.

Highlighting the growing global demand for halal products, he called on entrepreneurs, investors, traders and relevant institutions to work together in a coordinated manner to tap the sector's potential.

“Proper ideas, information, knowledge and specific business structures must be created for investors. If ideas and knowledge can be properly combined, it will have a positive impact on the market and increase the acceptance of halal products among ordinary consumers,” the minister said.

Recalling Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's recent visit to Malaysia, Swapon said Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's warm reception of Rahman in Kuala Lumpur was a shining example of the deep friendship between the two countries.

On behalf of the government and people of Bangladesh, he expressed gratitude to the Malaysian government and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Swapon said the foundation of Bangladesh-Malaysia relations extends beyond diplomatic contacts and is sustained by shared values and mutual cooperation.

He said the halal industry could emerge as an important new area of economic and diplomatic cooperation between the two countries.

Malaysian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Mohd Shuhada Othman and Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industries President Anwar Shahid also spoke at the seminar.

Top businessmen, investors, entrepreneurs and representatives from relevant sectors in Bangladesh and Malaysia attended the event.