Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Wednesday said halal food culture and values can become a great asset and strength not only for the Muslim world but also for the entire human civilisation.

He said the development of halal products and culture is not merely a religious or cultural issue, but it is also directly related to the global economy and human welfare.

“There is a huge global market for halal food, and both consumers and investors are ready to explore the potential of this sector,” he said.

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

Referring to the common values of Bangladesh and Malaysia in the religious and social fields, Swapon said the both countries can jointly play an important role in developing the halal industry and expanding its scope in the global market by utilising their common values, culture and experience.

Highlighting the global demand of halal products, he called upon entrepreneurs, investors, traders and other institutions concerned to work to this end in a coordinated manner.

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

Recalling the Bangladesh Prime Minister’s recent visit to Malaysia, he said the way Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim welcomed Prime Minister Tarique Rahman during his visit to Kuala Lumpur is 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 as well.

Swapon further said the foundation of Bangladesh-Malaysia relations is not limited to diplomatic contacts only but this relationship is sustained through people’s values and mutual cooperation.

The halal industry will serve as an important new area of economic and diplomatic cooperation between the two countries, he said.

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

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