Department of Trade and Industry Acting Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque emphasized positioning the Philippines as a Halal gateway in the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth (BIMP-EAGA) region during the 1st Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry BIMP-EAGA Trade, Investment, and Halal Industry Conference on August 20.
“The Halal industry is not just a niche market. It is a strategic imperative for the Philippines to tap into the vast global Halal economy and achieve sustainable and inclusive growth,” Roque said.
“Under my leadership, the DTI is committed to supporting these initiatives, working hand in hand with our partners in the BIMP-EAGA region to achieve our shared goals.”
Roque outlined efforts to revitalize the local Halal industry, such as plans for a Halal-friendly hotel in Clark, Pampanga, and a poultry processing facility in Tarlac, with support from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei.
She also aims to increase Halal-certified products by 20% in 2024, enhancing the Philippines’ presence in the USD 3.3 trillion global Halal market.
Aligning with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision of a “Bagong Pilipinas,” Roque underscored the need for collaboration within BIMP-EAGA to strengthen the local Halal industry.
