The Halal Trade and Marketing Centre (HTMC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Korea International Trade Association (KITA) to help Korean companies expand into halal markets across the UAE and the wider Middle East and Africa (MEA) region.
The HTMC-KITA partnership aims to strengthen cross-border trade by supporting businesses seeking to tap into the region’s growing demand for halal products and services while fostering deeper economic collaboration between South Korea and the UAE.
HTMC is an initiative of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) headquartered in Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZ).
Under the MoU, HTMC and KITA will work to enhance the readiness of Korean companies to capitalize on opportunities within halal markets through structured advisory and mentoring programs for members of KITA. These programs will support companies in understanding market requirements, relevant halal certification and accreditation systems, and entry frameworks, thereby strengthening their ability to scale and expand across the region.
Furthermore, HTMC and KITA will also collaborate on developing structured business matchmaking initiatives that connect Korean companies with buyers, importers, distributors, retailers, and potential commercial partners across GCC and wider MENA markets, helping convert opportunities into tangible business partnerships.
Further areas of cooperation include facilitating engagement with key halal ecosystem stakeholders across the region, including accreditation bodies, regulatory authorities, specialized institutions, and industry associations.
This will support the development of a fully integrated network that enables faster market access and stronger commercial connectivity for Korean companies entering halal markets.
HTMC and KITA target deeper commercial collaboration
“This MoU reflects the importance of building bridges of cooperation that combine commercial expertise with specialized knowledge of the halal sector. Through the Halal Trade and Marketing Centre, we aim to enable Korean companies to better understand target market requirements, benefit from structured advisory programs, and strengthen engagement with relevant stakeholders and potential partners, supporting their growth and expansion across regional and global halal markets.”
“This partnership aligns with our efforts to reinforce Dubai’s position as a global hub for halal trade and to connect international companies with the significant opportunities available across the Middle East and Africa,” Amna added.
Philjae Park, President of KITA MENA HQ, said that, “This MoU marks an important step in enhancing Korean companies’ access to halal markets in the region. By combining business matchmaking, specialized advisory support, and institutional engagement, we aim to create a supportive environment that enables Korean companies to benefit from the significant opportunities within the halal economy and strengthen their presence in high-growth markets.”
