The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) aims to make the Philippines a global leader in the halal industry, with the creation of the National Halal Industry and Development Office (NHIDO) spearheading the effort.

The DTI said that NHIDO is “a landmark initiative designed to propel the Philippines to the forefront of the global Halal industry by 2025.”

DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque’s goal of positioning the Philippines as a global leader in the halal industry next year is more aggressive than the Philippine Halal Industry Development Strategic Plan, which aims to turn the country into a premier halal hub in the Asia Pacific region by 2028.

“The NHIDO will act as the central coordinating body for all halal development efforts to streamline initiatives and foster collaboration. By encouraging and integrating stakeholders' participation, the office aims to create a unified and robust halal industry,” the DTI said.

A priority of the new office is simplifying halal certification and standards to help micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to increase the number of players in the local halal industry and to prepare them for the multi-trillion-dollar global halal industry.

The NHIDO will also launch its “Halal-Friendly Philippines” campaign to promote the country as a destination that offers a wide variety of halal-certified products and services.

“The establishment of NHIDO marks a turning point for the Philippine Halal industry. It will serve as a unifying force to transform our goals into reality, unlocking opportunities for businesses, creating jobs, and elevating the Philippines as a Halal-friendly destination globally,” DTI-Halal Industry and Trade Office Program Manager Dimnatang Radia said.

The DTI said it will also partner with local government units and relevant agencies to improve governance and cultivate halal-compliant infrastructure, including slaughterhouses and cold storage facilities.

The NHIDO also plans to establish halal trade hubs in the three major islands to boost the supply chain in the halal industry.
 

PNA PHOTO