Marcos: Malaysia to offer training on Halal industry, Islamic banking

KUALA LUMPUR - President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Wednesday disclosed that Malaysian authorities have expressed their intention to train Filipino counterparts on running the Halal industry and Islamic banking.

"Building on our bilateral relations, our governments commit to closely coordinate efforts to build capacity in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in southern Philippines, in Muslim Mindanao, especially on sectors such as the Halal industry, Islamic banking and food security," Marcos said during the joint statement after his meeting with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

"Malaysia has warmly offered their expertise to train Philippine personnel and officials to strengthen our capabilities in these increasingly important sectors," Marcos added.

For his part, Anwar said the two countries should implement measures that will ensure the penetration of the Halal industry in the Middle Eastern market.

"We mentioned also the potential for Halal industry in both countries. We will certainly do our most in terms of the issue of certification but I think jointly we should undertake some effective measures to ensure that the Halal industry can penetrate more effectively into the Middle Eastern Market in particular," Anwar said in the joint statement.

Anwar also mentioned that they have discussed issues relating to trade and investments.

Marcos expressed gratitude to Anwar and His Majesty King Al-Sultan Abdullah for Malaysia's help when it comes to improving the southern Philippines, specifically the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

"It has been an important part on whatever success that we might enjoy today and that has been a foothold, a further foothold for us to use and continue to develop our relations between our two countries," Marcos said.

Marcos is in Kuala Lumpur for a state visit that aims to strengthen ties between the two countries.—LDF, GMA Integrated News