Iran Plans for Global Reach at Malaysia Halal Expo

Iran’s knowledge-based companies are set to participate in the 21st Malaysia International Halal Showcase from September 17 to 20, 2025, marking a significant step in Tehran’s bid to carve out a larger role in the global halal market.

The event, one of Southeast Asia’s premier economic gatherings, offers Iran a platform to showcase its technological capabilities in sectors ranging from food and pharmaceuticals to healthcare.

For Iranian enterprises, especially those backed by innovation and scientific research, the exhibition presents a valuable opportunity to present their offerings directly to international audiences, foster new partnerships, and explore emerging demands in one of the world’s most vibrant economic regions.

As consumer awareness about product sourcing, production ethics, and health implications continues to grow, the halal label has become synonymous with trust.

Iran, with its deep cultural and religious heritage, is uniquely positioned to contribute meaningfully to this evolving global discourse — not only as a producer but also as a thought leader in shaping standards and practices.

Malaysia, widely regarded as the world’s most advanced halal economy, boasts a sophisticated certification regime and infrastructure that set the bar for others.

Iran’s presence at the Malaysian exhibition signals its ambition to integrate more deeply into these global halal value chains and its readiness to engage with buyers, certifiers, and policymakers in one of the world’s most dynamic markets.

The global halal market is projected to expand rapidly, driven by Muslim-majority countries and a growing cohort of non-Muslim consumers seeking ethically produced goods.

This transformation in consumer behavior provides an opening for Iran to redefine its economic trajectory. Rather than relying solely on traditional markets and products, the halal sector allows Iran to align its economic goals with rising global values around sustainability, transparency, and social responsibility.

Iran’s rich agricultural resources, diverse climate, and historical trade links position it well to become a key supplier. The country’s ability to produce a wide range of raw materials — from saffron and pomegranates to organic meats and herbal medicines — gives it a competitive edge in sectors where halal compliance is increasingly tied to quality assurance.

Additionally, Iran’s scientific and research-based pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors are making headway in developing halal-certified drugs and medical products, reinforcing the country’s capacity to diversify and scale its halal output.

Yet, despite these advantages, the country faces notable hurdles, chief among them the absence of a widely recognized national halal certification. Currently reliant on foreign approvals, Iranian exporters incur additional costs and competitive disadvantages.

This lack of autonomy in certification not only affects Iran’s market access but also limits its ability to shape or influence the standards applied to its products.

Creating a credible and internationally accepted halal certification system — one that reflects Iran’s own Islamic jurisprudence while meeting global benchmarks — is a necessary step toward long-term competitiveness.

The Malaysian exhibition presents an invaluable chance for Iran to observe the workings of a robust certification system firsthand and to explore partnerships that could elevate its own standards.

By engaging with certifying bodies, regulatory institutions, and major buyers from around the world, Iranian stakeholders can better understand the expectations and mechanisms that define success in today’s halal economy.

It also highlights the broader need for infrastructural upgrades: cold-chain logistics, modern packaging, and compliance with international quality norms remain areas where Iranian producers must improve to compete in discerning markets.

In many cases, the product quality may be adequate, but gaps in transportation, storage, and labeling have hindered Iran’s ability to expand its export footprint.

Addressing these shortcomings will require both public and private sector collaboration, with an emphasis on innovation, efficiency, and global benchmarking.

Beyond trade, Iran’s engagement with Southeast Asia’s halal hubs — Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore — holds diplomatic and cultural significance. These countries not only represent massive consumer markets but also influence halal trends and standards globally.

The region accounts for nearly half of the global halal market, and cultivating ties here could facilitate trade agreements, joint ventures, and innovation exchanges. These relationships might also underpin Iran’s aspirations in halal tourism and Islamic finance, sectors increasingly integral to the halal economy’s expansion.

Iran’s historical cities, religious sites, and cultural heritage make it a natural destination for halal-conscious travelers, while its growing banking sector has the capacity to expand Islamic finance instruments aligned with global demand.

There is also an undercurrent of cultural ambition. Iran’s rich Islamic scholarship and historical leadership in the Muslim world provide a foundation for developing a halal certification grounded in its own jurisprudence — an alternative to the Southeast Asian-dominated system.

Should Iran succeed, it could leverage this to enhance its soft power and economic influence simultaneously. Such a system would not only reflect Iran’s values but also offer options to other countries seeking diversity in halal governance.

Ultimately, Tehran’s participation in the Malaysia halal showcase reflects a pragmatic recalibration of its economic strategy. Faced with volatile oil markets and sanctions,

Iran is seeking to diversify by tapping into the halal economy’s multifaceted potential — from food and pharmaceuticals to cosmetics and tourism. These sectors not only offer growth but also greater resilience in the face of external pressures.

With targeted investments in quality, certification, and infrastructure, Iran could emerge not just as a regional player, but as a respected global leader in the halal sector. - Press TV