The Philippines has consolidated a strong team of government agencies to enhance its halal ecosystem and tap into foreign markets, particularly the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
“We see the opportunity to be present in Gulf Cooperation Council countries. We want our programmes and initiatives to be felt there,” said Aleem Siddiqui M. Guiapal, Director of the DTI’s Halal Industry Development Office, during the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2024.
In an interview with Gulf Times, Guiapal highlighted the launch of the “Halal Brand in the Philippines” campaign, part of President Marcos’ push to expand halal exports to the GCC.
Currently, the Philippines has 3,000 halal-certified products and services, with a goal to increase this number by 20% annually, targeting 5,000 certifications by the end of Marcos’ term.
Key to achieving this are collaborations with agencies like the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, DOST, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
“We are united in a comprehensive campaign for the Philippines,” Guiapal emphasized.
The DTI is also planning a Philippine halal roadshow in Saudi Arabia and the UAE this year, with expansion to Qatar by 2025.
“Qatar is a promising market for Philippine halal products,” Guiapal noted, adding that a Philippine Halal Expo is set for November 2024.
