Vietnam Seizes Opportunities in the Halal Market through Trade Agreements and Certification

Strategic Insights -

The signing of multiple trade cooperation agreements between Vietnam and Middle Eastern countries has opened new opportunities for Vietnamese goods to enter the Halal market, generating strong momentum and prospects for Vietnamese businesses, particularly those operating in agriculture.

The Halal market presents significant opportunities for Vietnam's agricultural and aquatic products, and food processing industries, with a growing demand for food in Muslim countries. Vietnamese seafood processing and export enterprises are adapting necessary technologies to bring their products into the Halal market. Companies such as Minh Phu Group, Vinh Hoan Corporation, and Bien Dong Seafood Co., Ltd are expanding their presence in this market alongside their traditional markets.

Vietnam's production standards, such as VietGAP, GlobalGAP, and HACCP, are largely aligned with Halal requirements, providing a solid foundation for the Halal certification process. The country has strengthened partnerships with Halal certification bodies in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)'s member states, aiming to promote mutual recognition of Halal certificates and facilitate smoother market access.

Major food enterprises such as Vinamilk, Bibica, and Cholimex Food JSC have obtained Halal certification and are exporting their products to the Halal market. Trading in Halal-certified products provides businesses with key advantages, such as meeting regulatory requirements for export to Muslim countries and earning the trust of Muslim consumers.

Key Takeaways:

  • Vietnam's agricultural and seafood export enterprises are actively pursuing strategies to expand into the Halal market, with companies such as Minh Phu Group, Vinh Hoan Corporation, and Bien Dong Seafood Co., Ltd already expanding their presence.
  • Vietnam's production standards, such as VietGAP, GlobalGAP, and HACCP, are largely aligned with Halal requirements, facilitating the Halal certification process.
  • Major food enterprises such as Vinamilk, Bibica, and Cholimex Food JSC have obtained Halal certification and are exporting their products to the Halal market.
  • Trading in Halal-certified products provides businesses with key advantages, such as meeting regulatory requirements for export to Muslim countries and earning the trust of Muslim consumers.
  • Investing in international standard systems, such as Halal, GlobalGAP, or ISO, is essential for enhancing the competitiveness of Vietnamese agricultural products.
  • The Halal market presents significant opportunities for Vietnam's agricultural and aquatic products and food processing industries, with a growing demand for food in Muslim countries.

Statistics:

  • 25% of the world's population adheres to Islamic laws.
  • The Halal market is expected to provide significant opportunities for Vietnam's agricultural and aquatic products and food processing industries.
  • Vietnam has strengthened partnerships with Halal certification bodies in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)'s member states.
  • Major food enterprises such as Vinamilk, Bibica, and Cholimex Food JSC have been exporting to Muslim markets for several years.

Sources:

  • Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Phung Duc Tien
  • To Thi Tuong Lan, Deputy Secretary General of the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP)
  • Le Chau Hai Vu, consultant and improvement specialist at the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT)
  • Nguyen Van Ha, General Director of Vietnam Agriculture Joint Stock Company
  • Food and Foodstuff Association of Ho Chi Minh City
  • Vinamilk
  • Bibica
  • Cholimex Food JSC
  • Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)