The Fiji Muslim League (FML) has entered into a partnership with a Halal digital technology specialist to harness efforts in developing its Halal ecosystem and meet international Halal standards.

The strategic collaboration with Malaysia-based Serunai Commerce, under the Islamic Development Bank’s (IsDB) Reserve Linkage modality, also aims to position Fiji as an important participant in the global Halal economy, which is projected to reach a value of $US5 trillion ($F11 trillion).

In a joint statement, the two parties noted increased demand for Halal-certified products and services both locally and globally; and that Fiji stood to benefit through increased economic growth and sustainable development in the Halal industry.

It stated the partnership would enhance FML and local businesses’ capabilities to meet international Halal standards and open new avenues for trade in the global Halal market.

Through the Reverse Linkage modality, Serunai Commerce will deliver state-of-the-art digital technologies designed to significantly enhance FML’s capability in managing and overseeing the Halal certification process.

It said those advanced systems would simplify operations, improve transparency, and ensure comprehensive traceability across the entire Halal supply chain.

In turn, FML can support local producers more efficiently and help them meet international Halal standards while positioning Fiji as a key player in the global Halal market.

“This technological integration will also contribute to fostering trust among consumers and stakeholders, reinforcing the integrity of Halal-certified products from Fiji.”

IsDB lead technical cooperation specialist Aminuddin Mat Ariff said knowledge-sharing between countries was key to unlocking development potential, and this project was a step in fostering shared prosperity in the region.

FML national president Haji Basheer Ahmed said the capacity building and digital systems would revolutionise Halal compliance in Fiji, and ensure Fijian products met the highest standards worldwide.

Lands and Mineral Resources Minister and Acting Minister for Agriculture Filimoni Vosarogo launched the initiative last week.

He said the initiative opened new avenues for Fijian farmers and producers to access international markets where certification and traceability were of utmost importance.