Exporters urged to seek halal certification

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino exporters are urged to seek halal certification for their products and services to tap the growing global halal market and expand their business overseas, Malaysia’s national trade promotion agency said.

In a statement from the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc., Malaysia External Trade Development Corp. (MATRADE) trade commissioner Har Man Ahmad said Filipino goods like food and beverage items as well as non-food products and services such as logistics, financial, insurance and health care-related goods should get halal certification.

Halal is the prescribed process of preparation of products according to Islamic law.

“Halal industry is very big... For you (the Philippines) to benefit (in) the Middle East market which actually has a very huge potential, Halal certification is one of the compulsory things that you have to undertake,” Ahmad said.

He said exporters need to seek such certification if they want to further expand their markets abroad.

This, as the Muslim market is rapidly expanding.

To date, it is estimated that there are a total of 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide.

The Philippines, Ahmad noted has a competitive advantage in terms of its food ingredients, cosmetics and supplements.

“Just by having a small halal seal will bring big difference to your products being exported abroad,” he stressed.

Ahmad also encouraged Filipino exporters to participate in the upcoming 11th Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) slated this April 9 to 12 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

“We are able to get a lot of businessmen from all over the world. So it is time for you to look at new products for you to bring in to the Philippine market as well,” he said.

The MIHAS, an annual trade fair organized by the MATRADE, features products and services that are halal-compliant.

When MIHAS was first launched, it had a total of 330 local and international participants.

Last year’s MIHAS attracted 463 companies and 177 international buyers from 30 countries.