The Philippines has made a remarkable impact at the Saudi Halal Expo, generating over USD 100 million in revenue through its “Halal-Friendly Philippines” campaign. This milestone highlights the nation’s rising prominence as a trusted source of Halal-certified products and services on the global market.
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina A. Roque credited the success to the Philippines’ strategic vision under the “Bagong Pilipinas” program, which aims to establish a sustainable and robust Halal ecosystem that meets the growing global demand. She emphasized that the achievement reflects the collective efforts of the country’s industries and government to drive business growth, attract international investments, and create job opportunities both locally and within the broader Halal industry.
Several key sectors contributed significantly to the impressive revenue growth. The ready-to-eat food sector secured USD 15 million in deals, while the seafood and fish supply industry brought in USD 35 million in sales, reaching over 200 supermarkets and restaurants across Saudi Arabia.
Additionally, a specialized Halal-compliant logistics service secured a one-year contract worth USD 5 million. The information technology solutions sector, which focuses on enhancing Halal certification processes, marketing, and promotions, closed deals worth USD 38 million.
The human resource services sector also played an important role, securing contracts that will create at least 100 jobs annually. Furthermore, two agencies within the Philippine delegation achieved combined contracts valued at USD 4.4 million, underscoring the strong demand for skilled labor to support the expansion of the Halal industry.
The DTI-Halal Development and Trade Office led the 64-member Philippine delegation, which included 12 Filipino companies showcasing a diverse range of Halal-certified products at the expo. The delegation also featured representatives from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the Philippine Halal Export Board, and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Secretary Roque expressed her gratitude to key partners, including the Philippine Embassy in Saudi Arabia, the Federation of Saudi Chambers, and the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah, whose support was instrumental in the mission’s success. The DTI also received backing from other government agencies such as the Department of Agriculture, BARMM, the Department of Budget and Management, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and the Philippine Halal Export Board.
With these accomplishments, the Philippines is solidifying its position as a key player in the global Halal market, ensuring the continued growth and development of its Halal industry.
