Cebu City has marked a significant achievement by becoming a member of the ASEAN Halal Chamber of Commerce, solidifying its position as a key player in the growing regional Halal market. This move highlights the city’s commitment to boosting economic growth through Halal trade and attracting investment.
The official announcement was made on December 7, 2024, when representatives from Cebu City’s Office of the Muslim Affairs and Indigenous Cultural Communities (OMAICC) participated in the ASEAN International Halal Roundtable Dialogue in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The event, organized by the Islamic Chamber of Commerce Malaysia Selangor, brought together industry stakeholders from across the ASEAN region to discuss Halal food production and foster collaboration.
Led by OMAICC Executive Director Ashlima M. Amer and Aleema Farida Matonding, the Philippine delegation proudly represented Cebu City. Their participation underscores the city’s readiness to tap into the global Halal market, particularly attracting investment from neighboring Malaysia.
This milestone follows a visit from Malaysian delegates to Cebu in October 2024, where they expressed admiration for OMAICC’s innovative programs and new initiatives, further elevating Cebu’s status as an emerging Halal hub.
The dialogue session included discussions on overcoming challenges in Halal certification, expanding market access, and strategies to enhance regional trade in Halal products. Stakeholders from various ASEAN nations, including representatives from the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos – Visayas Regional Office, local merchants, and business councils, attended the event.
Cebu City’s new membership opens up greater opportunities for collaboration with ASEAN countries and reinforces its role in shaping the future of the global Halal ecosystem. As the demand for Halal products continues to rise worldwide, Cebu is poised to play a vital role in strengthening the Halal industry in the Philippines and beyond.
This development reflects Cebu’s proactive approach to promoting inclusivity and economic integration through the Halal sector, positioning the city as a growing leader in the ASEAN Halal market.
