Bangladesh, Pakistan sign MoU to boost bilateral halal product trade
Halal meat can be imported under this agreement, officials say
Highlights:
- MoU to streamline trade and boost bilateral ties
- BSTI-certified products can enter Pakistan without inspection
- PHA-certified products accepted in Bangladesh without inspection
- BSTI to launch international-standard Halal Compliance Certification
- Halal standards follow OIC-SMIIC guidelines
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The Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Pakistan Halal Authority (PHA) to boost trade of halal products between the two countries.
The MoU, signed today (27 October) on the sidelines of the 9th Meeting of the Bangladesh–Pakistan Joint Economic Commission (JEC) held in Dhaka, aims to enhance collaboration in standards, certification, and trade facilitation for halal products — paving the way for smoother halal meat imports and exports between the two nations.
Under the MoU, BSTI-certified halal products will be eligible for export to Pakistan without additional inspection, while products certified by the Pakistan Halal Authority (PHA) will similarly be accepted in Bangladesh.
This mutual recognition of halal certification is expected to streamline trade procedures, boost halal product exports, and further strengthen bilateral economic ties between the two countries, said a press release.
Maqsura Noor, additional secretary of the Ministry of Industries, signed the agreement on behalf of the Government of Bangladesh, while Imran Haider, high commissioner of Pakistan to Bangladesh, represented the Government of Pakistan.
SM Abu Sayed, deputy director (halal certification) of BSTI's certification marks (CM) wing, said the BSTI is preparing to launch its Halal Compliance Certification programme, aligned with international standards.
He said BSTI is currently developing a comprehensive Halal Certification Standard based on guidelines set by the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC) — the international body under the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) responsible for formulating halal standards.
Headquartered in Turkey's Istanbul, SMIIC includes participation from 46 of the 57 OIC member countries in developing and harmonising global halal benchmarks.
As the national focal point for OIC–SMIIC activities in Bangladesh, BSTI plays a key role in aligning domestic certification with international requirements. Pakistan, likewise, adheres to the same OIC–SMIIC halal framework through the Pakistan Halal Authority (PHA).
"Halal products certified by PHA in Pakistan will be accepted in Bangladesh, and vice versa. Bangladeshi exporters of halal food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals will also be able to access the Pakistani market using BSTI-issued halal certificates," said the BSTI official.
He further said, "This collaboration will open new avenues for bilateral halal trade between Bangladesh and Pakistan."
Abu Sayed dubbed the move as a golden opportunity for both countries to expand their footprint in the global halal economy.
At the JEC meeting, the Bangladesh delegation was led by Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmedand the Pakistan delegation was headed by Ali Pervaiz Malik, minister for petroleum, Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division).
Held after a two-decade hiatus, the meeting marked a renewed commitment to strengthening bilateral economic ties.
Both sides emphasised the untapped potential for collaboration in trade, investment, agriculture, and energy, with special focus on expanding connectivity through direct shipping links, air services, and port cooperation to reduce logistics costs and boost regional trade efficiency.
Both delegations reaffirmed their resolve to deepen economic relations and agreed that the 10th Meeting of the Joint Economic Commission will be held in Islamabad at a mutually convenient time.
