Many opportunities to export food to the Halal market

The conference aims to effectively implement the task of international economic integration in Binh Duong province, while also creating conditions for production and business establishments and enterprises in the area to expand their export markets and get closer to Halal standards, particularly in the processed food sector (processed agricultural products), beverages, pharmaceuticals, functional foods, cosmetics, and animal feed.

Speaking at the conference, Ms Nguyen Thanh Ha, Deputy Director of the Binh Duong Department of Industry and Trade, stated that with its strength in the processing industry, especially food processing, Binh Duong has many opportunities to export to the Halal market. However, the business community lacks sufficient information about the culture, consumption habits, as well as market information and trade regulations needed to access the Halal market both domestically and internationally.

Therefore, the Binh Duong Department of Industry and Trade has organized many informational activities related to the Halal market, improved mechanisms and policies in import-export activities, and conducted trade promotion activities to help businesses effectively access and participate in this market.

"Binh Duong is considered to have the potential to export to Muslim-majority countries because this is the province's strength. To exploit, access, and develop the Halal market, the construction of infrastructure, and supply chains, and ensuring compliance with Halal regulations and standards are challenges that businesses face in exporting", emphasized Ms Nguyen Thanh Ha.

Recently, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has continued to create a favourable legal framework for international cooperation in developing the Halal sector in Binh Duong; negotiated and signed trade agreements; and supported Vietnamese organizations and businesses in working with and understanding the distribution systems of countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

Additionally, to build and develop the Halal sector in Vietnam, relevant units need to promote the distribution of Vietnamese products with Halal certification. This will not only meet the needs of exporters but also expand the production and export of Halal products in Vietnam.