According to Travel and TourWorld, Vietnam is facing significant opportunities to expand its Halal industry, although there are still some challenges. Currently, Vietnam is capable of offering about 20 prominent Halal products, including rice, coffee, spices, fruits, and more, to meet the diverse needs of over 57 Muslim countries. These products not only have competitive prices and production costs but also leverage the “Made in Vietnam” branding strategy, making a strong impression in international markets.

A Halal Pho restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnam’s government agencies, such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, are actively supporting the development of the Halal industry. One of the key objectives is to expand Halal services, such as Halal-certified restaurants, eateries, and retail outlets that cater to the needs of Muslim tourists. In the agricultural sector, Vietnam has made significant efforts to adjust farming practices to Halal standards, integrating global standards such as VietGAP, GlobalGAP, and HACCP. These standards not only meet Halal requirements but also enhance the quality of key export products like agricultural products, livestock, and seafood, thereby increasing the competitiveness of Vietnamese goods on the international market.

Collaboration with countries with established Halal markets, such as Indonesia, will help Vietnam gain valuable experience and build an international partner network. Vietnam is actively seeking Halal-related opportunities by participating in major forums and expos such as the MiHAS Halal International Trade Fair in Malaysia and the Halal Expo in Dubai. Expanding connections with the Middle East region opens opportunities for Vietnamese Halal products to penetrate potential markets, increase export value, and reach international customers.

The Vietnamese delegation, consisting of Mr. Hà Minh Hiệp – Acting Chairman of STAMEQ (right) and Mr. Trần Quốc Dũng – Director of QUACERT (left), visited the Vietnam booth at the Halal Expo in Dubai.

Looking ahead, the Halal market in Vietnam should be developed sustainably rather than just viewed as a niche segment. Halal tourism is also a sector with significant potential to attract Muslim tourists to Vietnam, contributing to economic growth. Vietnamese businesses must keep up with the trends in the Halal industry and be well-prepared to fully capitalize on the opportunities presented by the global Halal market.

Embassy of Vietnam in Brunei Darussalam and Hong Quan – Vietnam Halal Certification Center (HALCERT)