The Philippines is set to expand its Halal product exports by 20% in 2024, building on the current 3,000 Halal-certified products already available in the international market, according to a top official from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
The country plans to actively participate in major international Halal events, further establishing its presence in the global Halal market.
“The Halal industry is not merely a niche market. It is a strategic imperative for the Philippines to tap into the vast global Halal economy and pursue sustainable and inclusive growth,”Acting DTI Secretary Cristina Roque said.
The DTI is spearheading several initiatives to revitalize the local Halal industry. Among these are the establishment of a Halal-friendly hotel in Clark, Pampanga, and a poultry processing facility in Tarlac, backed by investment commitments from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei Darussalam.
Roque emphasized the DTI’s dedication to positioning the Philippines as a customer-focused, collaborative, and competitive Halal hub within the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) region. With the global Halal market valued at $3.3 trillion, Roque stressed the importance of collaboration within the BIMP-EAGA region to strengthen the Philippines’ Halal industry.
“Under my leadership, the DTI is committed to supporting these initiatives and working closely with our partners in the BIMP-EAGA region to achieve our shared goals,” she added.
The recent 1st Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) BIMP-EAGA Trade, Investment, and Halal Industry Conference brought together 150 representatives from Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Organized by the PCCI in collaboration with the Mindanao Development Authority and the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc., the event highlighted the growing focus on Halal industry development in the region.
