Thai PM Advocates for Halal Food Market Expansion to Strengthen Economy

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin of Thailand has emphasized the importance of expanding the Halal food market as a strategic move to boost the country’s economy. During the first meeting of the Thai National Halal Industry Committee (NHIC) for 2024, several key initiatives were discussed to enhance Thailand’s presence in the global Halal market and open new economic opportunities.

Strategic Focus on the Halal Industry

The Thai PM highlighted the robust potential of Thailand’s food sector, supported by a strong supply chain, favorable climate, and reliable labor and transportation infrastructure. This initiative aims to capitalize on these strengths to boost the international market for Halal food products, particularly from the southern border provinces.

Key Agreements and Goals

Prime Minister Thavisin stressed the importance of cooperation in the Halal sector, underlining discussions with leaders from predominantly Muslim countries such as Malaysia and Brunei. These discussions led to agreements aimed at promoting Halal food products internationally and supporting innovation and technology for producers. The establishment of a dedicated agency under Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology to oversee Halal standards was a notable outcome of these talks.

Economic Impact and Market Potential

Thailand’s Halal food exports reached an impressive 217 billion baht in the first 11 months of 2023, marking a 2.6% year-on-year increase. The Thai government has set ambitious targets to elevate the nation’s GDP by 1.2% through the Halal industry, which translates to approximately 55 billion baht. This growth is expected to create around 100,000 jobs annually, significantly benefiting the local economy.

Enhancing Halal Standards and Certification

The Thai PM has called for clear budgeting under the Ministry of Industry to enhance the Halal Industry Center’s efforts. A critical aspect of this initiative is improving Halal certification standards, which are essential for accessing Muslim-majority markets. Thailand’s government-issued Halal certification is highly sought after and recognized globally, providing a competitive edge for Thai producers​ (Malay Mail ).

Broader Economic Strategy

The strategy to transform Thailand into a leading Halal hub in Southeast Asia by 2028 involves a comprehensive approach. This includes fostering demand, supporting supply, and enhancing environmental standards. The plan also focuses on diversifying Halal products beyond food to include fashion, pharmaceuticals, and tourism, thus maximizing the potential of the Halal market.

The Thai PM’s call to expand the Halal food market is a forward-thinking strategy aimed at leveraging Thailand’s existing strengths to achieve significant economic growth. By focusing on innovation, certification, and international cooperation, Thailand is well-positioned to become a key player in the global Halal market, fostering sustainable development and economic prosperity.

This initiative not only aims to boost the economy but also to establish Thailand as a central hub for Halal products, reflecting the country’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable growth​ (Khaosod English)​​.