KUALA LUMPUR – With the first halal-certified South Korean Hanwoo beef exports to Malaysia commencing next month, bilateral trade between the two countries is expected to increase, and this is expected to spur on the republic’s export expansion to more Muslim-majority countries.
South Korean Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Minister (Mafra) Chung Hwang-keun said that following new export products to Malaysia, the trade figures could potentially be higher than last year’s record of US$26.7 billion (RM119.5 billion).
“In 2022, the trade volume between South Korea and Malaysia reached US$26.7 billion, an increase of approximately US$6 billion or 30% compared to 2021.
“Although the total export value of Korean beef was about US$30 million last year, we expect positive effects in expanding our exchange as we continue to increase our trade with Malaysia.
“Given the high interest in Korean cuisine, influenced by the Korean wave, including from music and its (television) dramas, we will make efforts to further activate Korean beef exports,” he said in an exclusive interview in conjunction with the launch of Hanwoo Korean Beef promotional event today.
Chung is in Kuala Lumpur for a three-day visit to meet government officials and import-related companies to further promote Korean Hanwoo beef export.
Earlier, he met his Malaysian counterpart, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu and issued a joint declaration calling for expanding cooperation on food security, smart farming and food exports.
Expanding Korean beef to Islamic countries
Chung said Malaysia is the first market for halal-certified Korean beef, and there is considerable space for halal beef exports to grow.
“We anticipate further expansion of exports to other countries that require halal certification, such as Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which have already completed negotiations on export inspections.
“We plan to make efforts to expand the export of Korean beef to other Islamic countries, including the UAE, by ensuring the necessary certifications and negotiations are in place,” he said.
Chung pointed out that after nearly five years of discussions, close monitoring and assistance by Jakim, the two countries have agreed on import hygiene conditions, with Mafra receiving final approval for the deal following inspections from January to February this year.
This latest development, in which Malaysia became the first country to showcase Hanwoo beef, also brings the number of countries able to import Korean beef to four, including Hong Kong, Macau and Cambodia.
“It is with great pleasure to note that in March of this year, South Korea established its first halal-certified slaughterhouse, and following this, Malaysia became the first country to showcase Hanwoo beef.
“Quarantine negotiations for the export of Hanwoo beef were completed in 2020 despite the numerous challenges encountered while obtaining the halal certification,” he said.
Chung said that the South Korean government had extended its support to the process by providing detailed explanations to Jakim officials conducting on-site inspections.
This highlights the tremendous efforts and preparation undertaken by the export-import companies to obtain the halal certification and facilitating the successful completion of the procedures.
When asked about the much-talked-about domestic slaughterhouse in Seoul, Chung said Jakim had provided training to the workers to enhance their halal competency.
“Although there are no specific plans for sharing halal technology and knowledge, we will make every effort to ensure that halal slaughter can be carried out without any problems by strictly managing the process, and if necessary, we will create opportunities for exchange with halal experts in the future,” he said.
Currently, only one slaughterhouse in Hongcheon, Gangwon province, has received halal certification in South Korea.
Unique to South Korea
Chung said that Hanwoo beef is unique, with a distinct flavour that could only be found in South Korea.
He said the beef is famously known for its even distribution of marbling, which makes the meat tender and gives it a rich, savoury taste, and had already gained a reputation through various overseas media outlets and influencers.
“Furthermore, every stage of the production process of Hanwoo, from the farm to the table, is strictly managed through a traceability system, which ensures its safety and quality.
“By entering the tracking number online, consumers can directly verify the grade, production area, and farm information of the purchased Hanwoo beef.
“We kindly request your interest in Hanwoo, which is not only delicious but also safe to consume,” the minister added.
In 2022, South Korea was Malaysia’s 8th largest trading partner, with total trade amounting to RM114.21 billion, an increase of 29.3% from the recorded value in 2021.
The East Asian nation is Malaysia’s seventh largest foreign investor in the manufacturing sector, with implemented projects valued at RM33 billion. – Bernama, May 12, 2023
