Shafaqna English- Malaysia is emerging as a potential halal and commercial gateway for agricultural companies from China’s Shandong Province seeking to expand into ASEAN, according to The Malaysian Reserve.
The second “Remarkable Shandong” Agricultural Trade Expo in Kuala Lumpur, held Sept 14–16, brought nearly 100 companies and more than 1,100 products, with a focus on halal standards, market access and cross-border supply chains.
Malaysia’s Halal Development Corp said cooperation could extend beyond product exports to halal processing, manufacturing, logistics, distribution, investment and joint ventures. Shandong officials also see Malaysia as a platform for reaching ASEAN and global halal markets.
Shandong’s agricultural exports reached 166.83 billion yuan in 2025, while Malaysia’s halal exports totalled RM68.52 billion, up 10.9% year on year.
Five strategic agreements were signed during the expo covering agricultural trade, agri-food, beef, halal business and investment promotion. However, companies entering Malaysia must meet local halal requirements, with training and recognised certification seen as important steps.
The initiative aims to build longer-term trade and investment partnerships between Shandong and Malaysia rather than focusing only on agricultural imports.
Source: The Malaysian Reserve