September 18, 2009

Thailand aims to expand its halal food exports by at least 10 percent per year between 2010 and 2014, by developing more products for Muslim markets.

A panel on halal industry development, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Korbsak Sabhavasu, has approved strategies to develop the industry.

They include a plan to strengthen the potential of the halal industry to meet world standards and conform to domestic demand; promoting the competitiveness of entrepreneurs and increase Thailand's capability in certifying food to Muslim halal standards, expanding markets and upgrading research and development.

The targeted products are livestock products and five southern provinces - Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Satun and Songkhla - will become the production base for halal products.

Muslims make up about 1.9 billion or 29 percent of total world population, making the global halal market extremely lucrative. Thailand is currently the fifth largest halal food exporter with a 5.6 percent market share.