The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
Malaysia is ready to fully support the Philippines in strengthening its halal industry and carving a niche in the multibillion-dollar global market, its envoy to Manila said Friday.
Malaysian Ambassador Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino lauded the progress of the Philippine Halal Development Strategic Plan during the Foreign Service Institute’s Ambassadors’ Lecture Series in Pasay City.
“Malaysia, of course, is fully supportive and will continue to support the Philippines to establish itself as a premium halal gateway and destination in the region,” he said, stressing that the global halal industry is projected to reach USD7.9 trillion by 2028.
Castelino noted vast opportunities for regional collaboration, citing Indonesia, Brunei, and Bangladesh as major players alongside Malaysia and the Philippines.
The Philippine halal blueprint, launched in 2023, aims to double locally made halal-certified products and services to 6,000 by 2028, attract P230 billion in investments, and generate 120,000 jobs.
In a separate interview, Castelino confirmed that a Malaysian halal certification firm is preparing to establish operations in Manila.
This move aligns with the government’s call for Malaysia’s Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia to set up a world-class certifying body in the country, ensuring Philippine products meet international standards.