The halal industry is now the focus of most trade deals that Malaysia is signing up these days. Coming on the heels of an extensive arrangement with Pakistan the South East Asian country is now exploring ties with Kuwait. Deputy Foreign Minister Lee Chee Leong made the proposal in a meeting with the Minister of   Foreign Affairs of Kuwait.
 
Lee said the government was pleased with Malaysia's excellent relations with Kuwait and looked forward to enhancing cooperation in all fields for mutual benefit, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Foreign Ministry.

The statement said both countries had agreed to look into areas such as trade and investment, education, tourism, finance and banking, and the "halal" industry for long-term cooperation.

Bilateral trade between Malaysia and Kuwait amounted to RM2.954 billion in 2008.