The World Trade Center Metro Manila (WTCMM), the Philippines’ premier venue for international trade shows and events, addressed the complexities of the global and domestic Halal ecosystem during its latest ‘Business Broadcast’ networking forum.
Stakeholders from the government, private sector, and global community discussed Halal standardization, certification, supply chain integrity, and market access.
Aleem Siddiqui Guiapal, program manager for Halal Industry Development at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), highlighted the growing demand for Halal products in domestic and export markets. Department of Tourism (DOT) chief of staff for Halal Tourism and Muslim Concerns Isabelle Biscocho reported the increasing tourist arrivals from Islamic countries.
Ambassador of Malaysia to the Philippines Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino noted the massive opportunities in the Global Islamic Economy, particularly in the Halal sector, for Philippine companies to tap into, citing Malaysia’s Halal exports which grew by 63.8 percent to $13.51 billion in 2022.
Ruby Bañares-Victorino, chairwoman of the Halal Committee of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Makati, discussed strategies for a thriving Halal economy, emphasizing the importance of partnerships between businesses, governments, and communities. Halal International Chamber of Commerce and Industries in the Philippines (HICCIP) president and CEO Ustadz Alexander Sultan summarized the complex Halal regulatory and compliance landscape, underscoring the need to raise Halal awareness through training, seminars, and promotion.
