PH showcases Halal industry at Canada Expo

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

The Philippines made a strong debut at the Halal Expo Canada, held from May 8 to 9 at the International Centre, highlighting the country’s burgeoning Halal industry and its vast investment potential.

One of the main highlights of the expo was the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Halal-friendly Philippines campaign.

Aleem Siddiqui Guiapal, DTI-Halal Industry Development Program Manager, presented the diverse Philippine Halal ecosystem that extends beyond food.

“This encompasses Islamic finance, tourism and recreation, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and modest fashion,” Guiapal noted in a press statement.

Highlighting a substantial gap in trade, Guiapal reported that the Philippines imported USD 120 million worth of Halal products in 2022, primarily dairy products, beef, poultry, and glucose syrup, revealing a significant disparity compared to the country’s Halal exports.

Guiapal also positioned the Philippines as a premier Halal-friendly hub in the Asia-Pacific region, outlining the Philippine Halal Industry Roadmap which aims to promote the country as a gateway hub within the region.

The Halal Expo Canada, now in its fourth year, is the leading Halal industry trade show in North America, fostering business-to-business (B2B) connections. The event provided a platform for the Philippines to showcase its Halal industry’s growth and investment opportunities.

Philippine Consul General Angelica Escalona, alongside DTI Foreign Trade Service Corps Trade Attaché Mario Tani and Halal Expo Canada representative Nasser Deeb, arranged several factory and company visits to Halal-friendly establishments, emphasizing the potential for Halal trade in non-Muslim markets.

The Philippine delegation included Atty. Lanang T. Ali, Jr., Deputy Speaker of Parliament from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, representatives from the Islamic Da’wah Council of the Philippines, and various Filipino companies. Their participation underscored the government’s support for expanding the Halal industry.

Guiapal’s presentation underscored the Philippines’ strategic plans and its commitment to becoming a significant player in the global Halal market.

“By promoting our diverse Halal ecosystem, we are opening doors for increased trade and investment, positioning the Philippines as a key player in the Asia-Pacific region,” Guiapal said.

The expo showcased the Philippines’ efforts to tap into the growing Halal market, emphasizing the country’s readiness to meet global Halal standards and attract international investments.