Kuala Lumpur (VNA) - Thailand is studying Malaysia’s Halal market as part of its strategy to boost future food exports, as 💦the two countries pr💮omote cooperation within the ASEAN framework.

At the “Unpacking Malaysia-Thailand Trade & Packaging Opportunities ahead of ProPak Asia 2025” on April 22, Thai Chamber of Commerce vice-chairman Visit Limlurcha said one key area of focus is building a regional roadmap that ensures trade resilience. According to him, ASEAN needs maintain at least 50–60% intra-regional trade capacity to buffer against external shocks and preserve access to markets such as the United States and China. In this context, Thailand sees strong potential in integrating Malaysia’s established halal certification ecosystem with its own abundant raw material resources, he said. Visit said the synergy aligns with Thailand’s policy shift towards producing more “future food”, which is food that is sustainable, health-focused and designed to meet the needs of new generations. Visit pointed out that Malaysia holds an advantage in developing functional and high-value ingredients, beyond traditional food commodities, which could complement Thailand’s production capabilities. He highlighted the urgent need for regional alignment to address global economic uncertainties, including slowing trade, US tariffs, and post-pandemic recovery. With Malaysia taking over the ASEAN chairmanship this year, Visit said, both countries are intensifying cross-border dialogue. Visit acknowledged that Thai food exports to Malaysia have been declining in recent years, attributing this to the broader global economic slowdown. The Thai Chamber of Commerce is working to support small and medium enterprises through the turbulent times, he noted./.