BD, Pakistan sign MoU to boost coop in Halal certification

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI), the national standards and regulatory body of Bangladesh, and the Pakistan Halal Authority (PHA), Pakistan's Halal certification agency, to enhance cooperation in the field of Halal certification.

The MoU, focusing on mutual cooperation in standardisation between the two countries, was signed on Monday at the NEC Conference Room in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, during the 9th meeting of the Bangladesh-Pakistan Joint Economic Commission (JEC).

Bangladesh's Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed and Pakistan's Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik led their respective delegations at the meeting.

On behalf of Bangladesh, the MoU was signed by Maqsura Noor, additional secretary, Ministry of Industries, while Imran Haider, Pakistan's High Commissioner to Bangladesh, signed it on behalf of Pakistan.

As a result of this MoU, Halal-certified products approved by BSTI can now be exported to Pakistan without additional testing. Similarly, products certified by the Pakistan Halal Authority (PHA) will be allowed entry into Bangladesh without further testing.

This mutual recognition is expected to strengthen bilateral trade relations between the two countries and facilitate the export of Halal products, making trade between Bangladesh and Pakistan smoother and more efficient.

At the signing event, Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed said that various issues have gained importance in improving relations between the two countries.

Ali Pervaiz Malik said that an agreement has been signed with BSTI regarding Halal products.

Any Halal product approved by BSTI can be exported to Pakistan, and Pakistan will accept it under the agreement, he said, adding that Bangladesh will also accept Halal certificates issued by Pakistan's PHA.

sajibur@gmail.com