Around 150 representatives from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines are set to gather at the Manila Hotel on August 20 for a conference focused on trade, investment, and the halal industry within the BIMP-EAGA (Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area) region.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is expected to attend the “1st PCCI BIMP-EAGA Trade, Investment, and Halal Industry Conference” according to a report by MindaNews.
The event is spearheaded by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) BIMP-EAGA committee, chaired by Joji Ilagan-Bian.
The organizers emphasized the conference’s goal of bringing together key stakeholders to accelerate the growth of the halal industry in the Philippines, particularly in Mindanao.
Bian highlighted Mindanao’s potential to tap into the burgeoning halal market, given its robust agricultural sector.
Known as the country’s “food basket,” Mindanao produces significant exports like bananas, pineapples, and livestock, making it well-positioned to leverage halal opportunities.
Despite the region’s strengths, Bian noted the need to deepen the private sector’s understanding of halal, emphasizing that halal is not just a religious requirement but a lifestyle choice with broad appeal, regardless of religious affiliation.
The Manila conference is seen as a strategic move to promote BIMP-EAGA across the Philippines, as many influential business leaders and government officials are based in Luzon and Visayas.
Bian also emphasized that developing the halal industry in the Philippines would particularly benefit Mindanao, positioning it as a gateway for trade and investment within the BIMP-EAGA region.
The PCCI aims to foster economic collaboration and create new investment opportunities, particularly in the halal industry, amid rising global demand for halal products and services.
The conference is also expected to serve as a platform for investors to explore diverse opportunities in the BIMP-EAGA region, contributing to regional economic cooperation and growth.
