Prospects bright in global market for ‘halal’ industry in the Philippines
text HADER GLANG

The Philippines can make it bit in the global export market for halal food products, estimated at over $150 billion, for a global base of 1.8 billion in 112 countries.

Trade Secretary Peter Favila revealed the bright prospects for the country’s halal industry during the opening of the 15th Minbizcon Trade Expo here.

The trade fair is one of the highlights of the 15th Min­danao Business Conference held August 31 until September 2 at the Garden Orchid Hotel Convention Center.

The convention aims to benefit small and medium enterprises not only in Western Mindanao but the whole of Mindanao in the domestic and international markets. It also aims to strengthen the SME’s capability as suppliers of quality products and services.

In his keynote speech, Favila said the Department of Trade and Industry is committed to ensuring the success of the Philippine halal industry.

“However, in the face of competitive market forces, it is very important for us to ensure that our halal products find their own strengths and market niches. Thus, the need for concerted effort among all stakeholders to boost our capability to meet market requirements,” he said.

Favila said the department will continue to promote greater awareness of halal market opportunities and encourage local halal producers and exporters to tap available markets.

At the same time, the department is initiating bilateral recognition of local halal product certifying bodies by the auditing, assessment and accrediting agencies of halal importing countries, he added.

The accreditation of Philippine halal certifiers will ensure that our shipments, particularly of meat products do not get rejected, but instead are accepted by importing markets where halal certification is required, he said.

The six agencies mandated by Memorandum Order 201 to harmonize all programs relevant to Halal Export Trade Development have agreed to pursue a Consolidated Halal Action Plan covering the period 2006-07.

Already, two firms are joining a joint venture to provide halal poultry products to the Middle East. Monte Maria Agro-Industrial Development Corp. and Maharlika Agro-Marine Ventures Corp. signed an agreement in March to form the venture in Brunei Darussalam.

The corporation, which will have an estimated annual production capacity of 212,456 metric tons, expects the first shipment of poultry to the Middle East early next year.

In order for the Philippines to produce halal chicken at a competitive price, there is a need to lower the cost of feeds whether it comes from the Philippines, Indonesia or elsewhere, Favila said. (ZS)