Malaysia has reaffirmed its commitment to support the growth of the Philippine halal industry by offering training and strengthening partnerships with local stakeholders, particularly in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
This was highlighted during the 2024 Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) in Kuala Lumpur, where Malaysian officials emphasized their role in helping the Philippines establish a stronger foothold in the global halal market.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also visited the Philippine pavilion at the event, where Aleem Siddiqui Guiapal, DTI Task Force Halal Industry Development Program Manager, presented him with a locally handmade product from the Philippines.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) spearheaded the Philippines’ participation under the “Halal-Friendly PH” campaign, highlighting the country’s capability to offer premium halal-certified products, including food, beverages, ingredients, and wellness items.
Guiapal expressed pride in the strong Philippine presence, stating, “We have the biggest number this time, a 91-member delegation,” told the Philippine News Agency.
The delegation includes 20 exhibitors and representatives from key agencies such as DTI, the Philippine Halal Export and Promotion Board, the Department of Science and Technology, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The Philippine participation aligns with the Philippine Halal Development Strategic Plan, which seeks to establish the country as a premier halal gateway in the region.
DTI aims to double the number of halal-certified products from 3,000 to 6,000 by 2028, contributing to the global halal market valued at USD 7.7 trillion by 2025. The plan also targets PHP 230 billion in investments and the creation of 200,000 jobs.
