Philippines targets up to 8% growth in halal exports

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines wants to grow its halal exports by six to eight percent this year to take advantage of the huge demand for such products in the global market, a trade official said.

Abdulgani Macatoman, undersecretary for trade promotions group at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), said yesterday the Philippines is aiming to become a major player in the halal market particularly in the areas of food, pharmaceuticals, tourism, as well as Islamic finance.

DTI-Export Marketing Bureau assistant director Anthony Rivera said the agency would want halal exports to rise by six to eight percent this year from the estimated value of $560 million last year.

He said bulk or 90 percent of the country’s halal exports last year were accounted for by food and non-alcoholic beverages.

Other major halal exports of the country last year are pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and personal care products.

Last year’s halal exports from the Philippines were shipped to countries in the Gulf Cooperating Council countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman, as well as other markets such as Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore.

Macatoman said the country wants to become a major player in the $3.2-trillion global halal market given opportunities to cater to the demand from an estimated two billion Muslims and other individuals who prefer halal products and services.

For products and services to be considered halal, these should follow the prescribed process of preparation according to Islamic law and be certified by halal certification agencies.

To grow the country’s halal exports, Macatoman said wider international recognition of Philippine halal certification with certifying bodies in other Muslim countries would be crucial.

Of the nine certifying bodies recognized by the Philippine Halal Board, only three are recognized in Malaysia, while Gulf countries are still selectively accepting halal food products, condiments and pharmaceuticals from the Philippines.

In line with promoting an increase in Philippine halal exports, Macatoman has obtained commitment from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry of (MITI) Malaysia to intensify halal trade between the two countries.

In addition, he also got the support of the Halal Development Council of Malaysia for greater acceptability of halal food products from the Philippines.

Both the MITI and the Halal Development Council of Malaysia are expected to help the Philippines convince JAKIM, the central certification body of Malaysia, to recognize more certifying bodies.

Apart from pushing for greater halal exports, the government is also encouraging restaurants, hotels and other tourism facilities in the country to obtain halal certification to tap Muslim tourists.

As part of efforts to increase awareness of businesses in the food and tourism industry on halal certification, the DTI is holding the Second National Halal Industry Conference in Clark from May 2 to 3.