The Fiji Muslim League (FML) has partnered with a Malaysian digital technology expert, Serunai Commerce, to advance the development of its Halal ecosystem and comply with global Halal standards. This collaboration falls under the Islamic Development Bank’s (IsDB) Reserve Linkage framework and aims to establish Fiji as a significant player in the booming global Halal economy, which is expected to reach $5 trillion.
In their joint statement, both organizations highlighted the rising demand for Halal-certified products and services both within Fiji and internationally. They acknowledged that this initiative could lead to economic growth and sustainable development in Fiji’s Halal sector.
The partnership is designed to boost FML and local businesses’ ability to meet international Halal criteria and create new trading opportunities in the global Halal marketplace. Through the Reverse Linkage model, Serunai Commerce plans to implement advanced digital technologies that will enhance FML’s capacity to manage the Halal certification process effectively.
These cutting-edge systems are expected to streamline operations, enhance transparency, and ensure thorough traceability throughout the Halal supply chain. This will enable FML to assist local producers more effectively in meeting international standards and enhance Fiji’s standing in the global Halal market.
Aminuddin Mat Ariff, IsDB’s lead technical cooperation specialist, emphasized the importance of knowledge-sharing among nations to unlock development potential and noted that this initiative is a step towards promoting shared prosperity in the region. Haji Basheer Ahmed, FML’s national president, stated that the technological advancement and capacity building would transform Halal compliance in Fiji, ensuring that local products adhere to the highest global standards.
Last week, Lands and Mineral Resources Minister and Acting Minister for Agriculture Filimoni Vosarogo inaugurated the initiative, emphasizing that it would provide Fijian farmers and producers with new opportunities to access international markets that prioritize certification and traceability.