Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez has urged businesses, especially micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), to tap the “halal” market.
During the 4th Philippine National Halal Conference, Lopez said the halal industry could heighten Philippine exports with the progress in the halal economy worldwide.
“The halal industry will add more exports, more to our export promotions because this is really a game-changer and a new segment for our export market,” he said.
As the country recovers from the pandemic, the trade and industry chief said his department remains committed to implementing the Philippine Halal Export Development and Promotion Act of 2016 to guide businesses in the production and promotion of halal goods and get a share in the global halal market.
“The Philippine Halal Export Development and Promotion Program, through our Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC), committed to provide capability-building programs for the food and non-food MSME exporters to equip them with the right information when it comes to halal requirements, standards, processes, and regulations,” Lopez added.
The program has accomplished 10 training modules that have benefitted and trained more than 400 MSMEs and exporters and more than 10 halal certifying bodies.
DTI has been pushing for a more overall approach to improve the halal industry. The official launch of the PH Halal App will boost our country’s preparedness to supply halal-certified products plus services and provide an easy access guide for halal establishments and products,” he said, adding that the app will also assist Muslim tourists visiting the Philippines to find mosques and halal-certified restaurants.
Other programs of the DTI to strengthen the local halal industry are the inclusion of halal food in its FOOD Philippines branding and expanding the number of halal-certified products.
“In the future, we look forward to crafting a Philippine Halal Development plan, which is guided by an overarching goal of creating a Philippine halal ecosystem that is organized, structured, and recognized in the global halal economy,” Lopez concluded.
With additional report: Kris Crismundo, pna.gov.ph
Image sources: Philippine News Agency, BusinessMirror, Daily Tribune
