The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is ramping up its efforts to position the Philippines as a key player in the global Halal market, unveiling ambitious plans during the 1st PCCI BIMP-EAGA(Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area) region. Trade, Investment, and Halal Industry Conference.
Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque put the spotlight on infrastructure development, MSME empowerment, and international market expansion during her speech on Tuesday.
The DTI aims to drive significant growth in the Halal sector, reinforcing the country’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive economic development.
The conference, hosted by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), brought together leaders and stakeholders from the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) to explore and harness the vast potential of the Halal industry.
In her address, Roque emphasized the strategic importance of the Halal industry as a key driver for sustainable and inclusive economic growth in the Philippines.
“The Halal industry is not just a niche market. It is a strategic imperative for the Philippines to tap into the vast global Halal economy and achieve sustainable and inclusive growth,” she stated.
The DTI chief outlined the Philippine government’s commitment to advancing the Halal industry, highlighting initiatives aimed at enhancing infrastructure, empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and expanding the country’s presence in the global Halal market.
Among the key initiatives mentioned were the establishment of a Halal-friendly hotel in Clark and a poultry processing facility in Tarlac, both of which are expected to bolster the country’s Halal infrastructure.
Roque also underscored the DTI’s efforts to support MSMEs by providing Halal certification and facilitating their entry into international markets.
“We have now 3,000 products that are Halal certified and being sold in the international market,” she noted, expressing optimism for continued growth in the coming years.
Looking forward, the DTI is targeting a 20% growth in Halal product sales in 2024, with plans for active participation in major international Halal events to further elevate the Philippines’ profile in the global Halal economy.
These efforts are part of a broader initiative known as the Halal-Friendly Philippines Campaign, which aims to position the country as a premier Halal-friendly hub in the Asia-Pacific region, through the programs of the DTI Halal Industry Development.
Roque concluded her message by calling on all stakeholders to collaborate in building a vibrant and sustainable Halal industry in the Philippines.
