Bilateral trade between Qatar and Malaysia reached QR402.6mn in the first two months of 2026, signalling continued economic confidence as local commercial interest expands into non-traditional halal sectors.
The early momentum follows a robust QR3.10bn in total bilateral trade throughout 2025 and a peak of QR5.76bn in 2024, according to trade figures the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) shared with Gulf Times.
Highlighting this strategic focus during his participation at the ‘22nd Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS 2026)’ in Kuala Lumpur, Qatar Chamber board member Dr Mohamed bin Jawhar al-Mohammed explained that local business engagement in halal markets is rapidly diversifying.
“The chamber’s participation in the expo reflects the growing interest of the Qatari business community in the global halal economy, which now extends beyond food and beverages to sectors, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, tourism, logistics, technology, and packaging,” noted al-Mohammed in a Qatar Chamber statement.
Al-Mohammed lauded the strong economic and trade relations between Qatar and Malaysia, emphasising that significant potential exists for further private-sector cooperation to connect Qatari companies with global suppliers, investors, and business partners.
Following yesterday’s opening, al-Mohammed toured the MIHAS exhibition halls accompanied by MATRADE officials and held meetings with local and international entities to discuss private-sector partnerships.
Al-Mohammed pointed out that MIHAS provides a platform for connecting global producers, exporters, and investors, noting that Qatar Chamber aims to facilitate joint investment opportunities across halal value chains.
He met with Norshahrin bin Hamidon, president of the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia, and Dato’ Dr Sirajuddin bin Suhaimee, director general of the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia, to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation.
Trade composition between the two nations shows a balanced exchange, with Malaysia serving as a reliable supplier of machinery, electrical products, processed food, and palm oil products, according to MATRADE.
Qatar remains a pivotal energy and chemical partner, supplying petroleum products, chemicals, and petrochemical derivatives that serve as essential inputs for Malaysia’s manufacturing, industrial, and energy sectors, MATRADE also reported.
