PBNU–Malaysia explore cooperation in Islamic economy and halal business
Jakarta — The Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) Central Board is partnering with Malaysia to strengthen the Islamic economy and halal business in Southeast Asia so that more jobs can be absorbed and the region can compete globally.
This was stated by PBNU General Chairman Yahya Cholil Staquf when receiving a reciprocal visit from the Malaysian delegation to strengthen bilateral cooperation through a people-to-people approach.
“We have discussed a number of concrete cooperation opportunities, ranging from the development of businesses based on the Islamic economy, agriculture, to scientific cooperation, because Indonesia and Malaysia share a determination to build cooperation in the development of business within the framework of the Islamic economy and halal business,” he said at a press conference in Jakarta on Friday.
Yahya disclosed that one of the agendas discussed is the possibility of organising an international halal expo in Indonesia. PBNU is also preparing the Nahdlatul Ulama Harvest Maslaha platform, a global Islamic investment vehicle to accommodate various cooperation initiatives between NU and Malaysia.
“International cooperation with Malaysia can help transfer knowledge and technology to support increases in food production, the development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and the expansion of international business literacy among the public,” he explained.
Yahya also said that international cooperation to share knowledge and technology can help national priority agendas reach targets more easily with the support of communities from the bottom to the international level.
Meanwhile, Senator in the Malaysian Parliament Mujahid bin Yusof Rawa said the Malaysian delegation’s visit to Jakarta demonstrates the seriousness of both sides in building economic collaboration in the Nusantara region and the Asia-Pacific.
The former Malaysian Minister of Religious Affairs noted that Southeast Asia has high levels of stability and peace, and thus should be encouraged toward shared economic well-being.
The visit, he said, also opens opportunities for cooperation in Islamic finance and banking. In addition, this people-to-people initiative will complement government-to-government relations that have long been in place across Southeast Asia.
“Collaboration with NU was chosen because the organisation has a wide network, a long history, and a strong basis in Shariah. Moreover, NU can be an access point to communities not only in Indonesia but also around the world,” Mujahid said.
Going forward, similar cooperation will also be expanded to Thailand, Singapore, Cambodia, Vietnam, and other Asian countries to strengthen Nusantara’s position as a new global economic power based on the Islamic economy and halal.