Westports, Maybank Islamic Eye China’s Growing Halal Market Worth US$217 Bln

From Amanina Mohamad Yusof

SHANGHAI, Nov 7 (Bernama) -- As Malaysia seeks a stronger role in global halal logistics, major port operator Westports Holdings Bhd is positioning itself to capitalise on China’s rapidly growing halal food and beverage market, projected to reach US$217.10 billion by 2034.(US$1 = RM4.18).

Handling a significant share of Malaysia’s container and conventional cargo, Westports is well placed to tap into the surging demand for halal-certified products from the world’s largest consumer market.

Westports Holdings group managing director Datuk Eddie Lee said the company aims to promote Malaysia as a regional halal logistics hub through its participation in the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) in Shanghai 2025 (MIHAS@Shanghai 2025), held alongside the China International Import Expo (CIIE), one of the world’s biggest import promotion platforms.

“Together with the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and MIHAS, we want to showcase Malaysia to the world.

“Halal logistics is a major market, especially with China’s 1.5 billion population. Even for durian, we now have halal-certified, value-added products. People in China love durian and halal food, and this presents a major opportunity,” he told Bernama on the sidelines of MIHAS@Shanghai 2025 here.

Lee added that with 20 per cent of Westports’ container volume originating from China, the port is banking on its strategic location along the Straits of Malacca and high service standards to become the preferred gateway for halal shipments.

“For Westports, we will ensure full compliance with halal requirements. Every halal claim is verified through proper documentation to preserve credibility and integrity,” he said.

Meanwhile, Maybank Islamic Bhd's programme director for strategic initiatives, Dr Muhd Ramadhan Fitri Ellias, said the bank’s participation in MIHAS@Shanghai 2025 aims to support Malaysian micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in expanding their businesses in China.

He said the bank would bring along MSME entrepreneurs — who are also Maybank Islamic clients — to meet strategic partners in China, including companies such as Alibaba Group, to help local firms distribute their products through Alibaba’s platforms.

At the same time, Muhd Ramadhan said the bank also seeks to attract Chinese halal industry players to invest in Malaysia and use the country as a hub for their halal operations.

“We can assist Chinese enterprises looking to invest in Malaysia and grow their halal businesses across ASEAN. We have a strong network not only in Malaysia but throughout all ASEAN countries,” he said.

Muhd Ramadhan said China’s halal market has tremendous potential, supported by a growing awareness and understanding of halal products among Chinese consumers.

“I believe the potential is very strong. In fact, China is currently Malaysia’s second-largest market for exported halal products.

“There is a growing realisation in China that halal is not just about religion but also about cleanliness, integrity in the food production process, and high food-handling standards. They see halal not merely as a religious requirement but as a mark of hygiene and quality — among the highest standards in the industry,” he added.

-- BERNAMA