In a resounding commitment to harness the potential of the global halal market, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) of the Philippines has unveiled an ambitious national Halal strategy. This strategic move, driven by a vision to generate PHP 230 billion in investments, create 120,000 jobs within five years, and bolster the role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the burgeoning global halal ecosystem, is set to redefine the economic landscape of the archipelago.
The Halal initiative is a response to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s bold declaration at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he positioned the Philippines as a gateway to the Asia-Pacific region, opening new avenues for international investors.
At its core, the plan seeks to address the surging demand for Halal products and services, both within the Philippines’ domestic market and among the 57 member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), spanning Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
DTI Secretary Fred Pascual expressed the inclusive nature of Halal, emphasizing that it’s not solely the purview of Muslims. Beyond religious adherence, Halal is increasingly recognized worldwide by non-Muslim consumers for ethical considerations, hygiene, fair trade, and just financing.
Pascual outlined the strategic goals, stating, “Over the next five years, we plan to achieve PHP 230 billion Halal trade and investments and generate 120,000 jobs. By maximizing our potential in the Halal industry, together we will help realize the vision of President Marcos Jr. in gaining more investments, which will mean higher economic activity and more quality jobs, and then a better life for all Filipinos.”
This drive is indeed well-timed. With the global Muslim population estimated at 1.9 billion people, the Halal market is on a trajectory to reach a staggering USD 7.7 trillion in market value by 2025, up from USD 3.2 trillion in 2015.
Leading the Charge: The DTI’s Role
The Department of Trade and Industry will spearhead a nine-government inter-agency task force responsible for crafting a comprehensive roadmap. This roadmap aims to establish the Philippines as the most Halal-friendly trade and investment hub in the Asia-Pacific region.
Secretary Pascual underscored that the Halal industry is a vital component of the DTI’s four core priorities:
- Promoting regional development.
- Attaining food security.
- Upgrading, upskilling, and upsizing micro, small, and medium enterprises.
- Enabling job skills matching and skills upgrading.
The Halal plan encompasses not only food and food-related products but also extends to Islamic finance, Halal-friendly travel and tourism, modest fashion, Halal pharmaceuticals, and Halal cosmetics sectors.
A Collaborative Effort: The Halal Taskforce
To ensure the success of this multifaceted endeavor, the Halal Taskforce will include representatives from the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), Department of Agriculture (DA), Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA).
Significantly, MSMEs are poised to reap substantial benefits from the DTI’s Halal initiatives, with a range of promising ventures on the horizon:
1. Php66 Million Partnership with BARMM: The DTI has entered into a partnership deal with the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Mindanao-Ministry of Trade, Investment, and Tourism (BARMM-MTIT), with a budget of PHP 66 million. This collaboration aims to promote Halal local goods and services provided by MSMEs, igniting social entrepreneurship, local tourism, entrepreneur training, and a revival of the country’s creative sector.
2. Trade Conventions and Certifications: The Halal Convention Expo, scheduled on November 21 at the SMX Convention Center, is set to showcase MSMEs. Furthermore, a Halal preparedness and certification training program is slated for the second week of November.
3. Invest Philippines Week: The DTI is launching Invest Philippines Week, featuring sessions designed to support MSMEs in Halal industry development.
4. Regional Development: Several slaughterhouses in the Philippines are on the path to becoming Halal-certified. The Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC) has signed agreements for Halal training in CALABARZON. Additionally, over 100 MSMEs in Marawi are preparing to obtain Halal certification as part of the broader economic rebuilding efforts.
Global Partnerships: The Philippines, in line with its Halal plan, is strengthening international partnerships. Bilateral talks with Malaysia and an impending landmark agreement with the UAE demonstrate the country’s commitment to building capacity in sectors like the Halal industry, Islamic banking, and food security.
In a world seeking high-quality Halal products and services, the Philippines is poised to emerge as a key player in the global Halal market, fostering authenticity, quality, and tradition. With dedicated support from organizations like DTI, the Philippines is set to shine as a beacon of economic opportunity and growth in the Asia-Pacific region.
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