Philippines poised as halal gateway in BIMP-EAGA: DTI

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is positioning the Philippines as a key Halal gateway within the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) region, aiming to tap into the global Halal market valued at $3.3 trillion.

DTI Acting Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque highlighted this strategic vision during the 1st Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) BIMP-EAGA Trade, Investment, and Halal Industry Conference, held on August 20.

The event brought together local and international stakeholders to explore the potential of the Philippine Halal industry and collaboration opportunities within BIMP-EAGA.

“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,” Roque emphasized in her keynote address.

The conference, organized by PCCI in collaboration with the Mindanao Development Authority and the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc., attracted 150 representatives from the four member countries.

The forum sought to enhance regional integration and trade relations, presenting opportunities for export development and new investments.

Under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision for a “Bagong Pilipinas,” the DTI is committed to establishing the Philippines as a “customer-focused, collaborative, comprehensive, and competitive Halal hub” in the region, Roque stated.

To support this initiative, the DTI is spearheading several key projects, including the establishment of a Halal-friendly hotel in Clark, Pampanga, and a poultry processing facility in Tarlac.

These projects have already garnered investment pledges from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei Darussalam.

Currently, the Philippines exports around 3,000 Halal-certified products globally. The DTI aims to boost this number by 20% in 2024 through active participation in major international Halal events, further solidifying the country’s growing presence in the global market.

“Under my leadership, the DTI is committed to supporting these initiatives, working hand in hand with our partners in the BIMP-EAGA region to achieve our shared goals,” Roque assured.

The event featured various speakers from across the BIMP-EAGA region, who discussed the future of the Halal industry and the importance of regional cooperation in this sector.