Philippines gains foothold of US$500 billion halal market

 

 

Manila is taking the lead in gaining a foothold in the US$500 billion market for halal products worldwide.

 

Bae Bayolan Tamano Marohombsar, Mayor Alfredo Lim's consultant for Muslim Affairs, said the huge demand is one opportunity to bolster trade and employment. The Philippines can join the ranks of countries exporting and importing food products and other non-food products certified as halal, she said.

 

Marohombsar said halal prescribed standards for the care and raising of farm animals, certifying their health, manner of slaughtering them for meat to be consumed, known as dhabihah.

 

In the Philippines, there are offices which coordinate with Muslim religious leaders authorised to certify (halal products) with counterparts abroad.

 

Marohombsar said the recent talks between Lim and a Malaysian delegation led by businessman Murad Nadio would signal visits by other parties in the Asia and other countries with a huge Muslin population such as Russia and other independent states of the former Soviet Union.

 

Executive Assistant Gemma Cruz-Araneta who was in Lim's panel said the delegation eyed halal outlets in public markets and slaughterhouses.

 

Araneta said banking on halal products would benefit the country, underscoring the export potential in Muslim countries to add revenues for the government, while opening livelihood and job opportunities.