DAFZA explores prime halal investment opportunities in Malaysia

UAE – April 3, 2016- Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Director General of Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZA) met with H.E. Dato' Sri Mustapa Mohamed, Malaysia’s Minister of Trade and Industry at the Ministry’s headquarters. Both parties discussed ways to develop and strengthen economic and trade ties between Malaysia and the Freezone. Also talked about was DAFZA’s exceptional investment advantages for foreign companies, including Malaysian entrepreneurs and companies in all sectors of business.

Dr. Al Zarooni explained that this meeting demonstrates the pivotal role played by DAFZA in furthering efforts to drive in economic development in Dubai and the UAE, particularly in the Halal industry, which is one of the largest sectors of the Islamic economy in terms of vibrancy and investment. This consolidates DAFZA’s position as the perfect destination for operating businesses related to the Islamic industry—acting as a main support to Dubai being ‘the global capital of Islamic economy’.

Dr. Al Zarooni led the DAFZA delegation in visits across Malaysia, which has resulted in a number of major investment opportunities for the Freezone while also throwing the spotlight on broad and lucrative investment possibilities for the halal products sector. The delegation focused on improving partnerships and streamlining services for the halal trade. They also gained valuable insights on Malaysia and other countries’ business environments and its emergence as the world’s leading halal hub through their active participation in the 2016 World Halal Conference (WHC) and the 13th Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS). The two events are vital platforms to review valuable insights about the benefits of the business environment in Malaysia, which is a leader in the halal trade, as well as of the business environment in some other countries. DAFZA also had a visit to Malaysia’s Halal Parks, a community of halal-dedicated manufacturing and service businesses.

Dr. Al Zarooni said: “DAFZA is keen on building a strong relationship with the Malaysian business and investment community, stressing on the commitment to provide the necessary facilities to ensure the optimum utilization of the emerging opportunities in Dubai, which has succeeded in building a reputation as a global gateway to reach the Middle East market—which is considered a main market for the world halal products.”

“The business mission had a major positive impact on reviewing the most successful experiences and best practices related to halal industries and its aspirations to study the future of this vital sector. This will serve our efforts to attract the pioneers of Halal products and services industry to DAFZA and support Dubai's transformation into being the capital of global Islamic economy. We had the opportunity during our bilateral meetings with decision-makers and senior government figures, to get acquainted with the trade and economic strategies adopted in Malaysia in the Halal industry,” Dr. Al Zarooni concluded.

DAFZA recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Malaysia’s Halal Industry Development Corp. (HDC) to achieve mutually beneficial business objectives. They share a common vision in promoting business and investment opportunities within the Halal industries between the UAE and Malaysia. Their strategic partnership aims at intensifying efforts to support the plans of development of world class infrastructure to consolidate the leadership of Dubai as a global economic center for Halal Industries, as well as enriching the knowledge and facilitate the exchange of best practices and experiences between companies working in manufacturing and supplying halal products and services.