Bangladesh and Pakistan have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to mutually recognise halal certifications, a move poised to streamline cross-border trade, reduce compliance bottlenecks, and open new avenues for investment in the fast-growing global halal economy.

Signed during the 9th Bangladesh–Pakistan Joint Economic Commission (JEC) meeting in Dhaka, the agreement enables BSTI-certified halal products to enter Pakistan without additional inspections, while Pakistan Halal Authority (PHA) certifications will receive automatic acceptance in Bangladesh. For investors and exporters, this reduces regulatory friction and accelerates market entry across food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and related halal value chains.

The MoU also aligns both countries with OIC–SMIIC halal standards, strengthening credibility for global markets. BSTI is preparing to launch an international-standard Halal Compliance Certification programme, signalling Bangladesh’s ambition to position itself as a competitive halal manufacturing and processing hub.

Officials note that streamlined certification procedures, particularly for halal meat, will support greater trade volumes, improve supply chain predictability, and attract investment into compliant production facilities. With the global halal market projected to expand significantly, the move creates a more favourable environment for cross-border joint ventures, processing facilities, logistics investments, and value-added halal exports.

The JEC meeting, held after almost two decades also revived broader discussions on bilateral cooperation in trade, agriculture, connectivity, port infrastructure, and energy. Both sides agreed that enhanced transport links and reduced logistics costs will be critical to unlocking deeper regional trade and investment flows.

Overall, the renewed engagement and the halal certification MoU mark a meaningful step toward strengthening bilateral economic ties, widening market access, and positioning both countries to capitalise on the growing demand for trusted halal products.