VOV.VN - Getting firms to obtain Halal certification for their food and products is of the upmost importance to businesses seeking to export and do business in Muslim countries or countries with large Muslim populations, according to business representatives at a workshop in HCM City on September 16.

Cong Thuong (Industry and Trade ) newspaper

The event, organised by the Trade and Investment Promotion Center of Ho Chi Minh City (ITPC), aims to discuss fundamental standards in order to obtain Halal certification that can help businesses expand their export markets. 

Pham Thiet Hoa, director of the ITPC, said that the Muslim population of nearly 1.8 billion accounts for approximately 23 per cent of the world's population. This figure is forecast to increase to 27 per cent by 2050 with the consumption capacity of Halal products estimated to stand at US$15 trillion. 

Muslims make up a majority of the population in countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and a number of Middle Eastern nations. Despite this, only few countries produce Halal products for exports. 

There is plenty of room for Vietnamese businesses to boost market expansion into the Halal industry and to make further inroads into the Muslim market. 

Ramlan Osman, business director of Vietnam Halal Company, said that the Halal industry relates to not only processed food and beverages, but also to raw materials used in processing items such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, personal care, health products, in addition to the logistics service, restaurant and hotel services, in line with standards of service for Muslims and the Halal market.

Mr. Ramlan Osman emphasized that a Halal economy should be developed in Vietnam as there is an abundance of potential raw materials available for Halal products in the Southeast Asian nation including coffee, rice, seafood, spices, beans, and vegetables. 

Vietnam is also considered one of the most attractive destinations for foreign arrivals, which opens up bright prospects for restaurant and hotel business that meets Halal criteria, he noted.

At present, the country’s supply source of potential products for the Halal industry is estimated at over US$10.5 billion per year with its top 20 Halal export commodity products including green coffee, rice, cashew nuts, pepper, fresh fruit, coffee products, processed food, roasted coffee, dried cassava, nuts, cakes, tea, candies, animal feed, natural honey, cinnamon, non-alcoholic beverages, flour, and juice. 

Businesses should be aware about Halal certification, which plays an important role in protecting the interests of consumers, meets religious requirements and complies with regulations on food safety standards.

In order to support businesses in fully grasping the essential standards in order to obtain Halal certification, the ITPC will help manufacturing and export enterprises follow the necessary procedures to achieve Halal certification, Hoa added.