Philippines Bolsters Halal Industry with Support from Malaysia and Brunei

The Philippines is making significant strides in developing its halal industry, garnering support from neighboring countries Malaysia and Brunei. This collaboration is part of a broader initiative to enhance the production and global reach of Philippine halal products and services.

During the Philippine Halal Economy Festival, Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines, Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino bin Anthony, expressed Malaysia’s support for the Philippines’ endeavors in the halal sector. This endorsement is particularly meaningful considering Malaysia’s established status in the global halal market. The Philippines’ collaboration with Malaysia, its fifth-largest trading partner, is poised to fortify economic ties and stimulate mutual trade and investment, especially in the burgeoning halal industry.

Similarly, Brunei has agreed to share expertise with the Philippines in the production of halal products. This collaboration aligns with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)’s efforts to tap into the lucrative global halal food industry, valued at approximately $2.3 trillion. This partnership is indicative of the growing economic integration within the ASEAN region, particularly in sectors like halal food production that have significant global demand.

In addition to these international partnerships, the Philippines is also focusing on domestic development. The DTI has signed an agreement with the Bangsamoro region to promote the halal business. This initiative is crucial in harnessing the potential of the halal market, both within the Philippines and in global markets.

These collaborative efforts with Malaysia and Brunei, combined with domestic initiatives, position the Philippines to become a significant player in the global halal industry. The strategic partnerships and shared expertise are not only expected to enhance the Philippines’ manufacturing capacity for halal products and services but also to contribute to the country’s economic growth and diversification.