Philippines makes strong debut at Halal Expo Canada, highlights investment opportunities in growing Halal industry | Department of Trade and Industry Philippines

MISSISSAUGA, CANADA – The first-ever participation of the Philippines in the Halal Expo Canada held from May 8 to 9 at the International Centre, showcased the country’s burgeoning Halal industry and its vast investment potential.

One of the main highlights of the expo was the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Halal-friendly Philippines campaign. DTI-Halal Industry Development Program Manager Aleem Siddiqui Guiapal presented the diverse Philippine Halal ecosystem that goes beyond just food. This encompasses Islamic finance, tourism and recreation, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and modest fashion.

Highlighting a substantial gap compared to domestic exports, the presentation reported the country imported USD 120 million worth of Halal products in 2022, primarily dairy products, beef, poultry, and glucose syrup. This shows a significant gap compared to the country’s exports of Halal.

Program Manager Guiapal also positioned the Philippines as a premier Halal-friendly hub in the Asia-Pacific region by outlining the Philippine Halal Industry Roadmap that targets promoting the country as a gateway hub within the Asia-Pacific region.

Now on its fourth run, the Halal Expo Canada is the leading Halal industry trade show in North America, fostering B2B connections.

On the sidelines, the Consulate Office led by the Philippine Consul General Angelica Escalona, together with the DTI Foreign Trade Service Corps Trade Attache Mario Tani and Halal Expo Canada Nasser Deeb, arranged several factory and company visits to Halal-friendly establishments in a non-Muslim market.

The Philippine delegation included Atty. Lanang T. Ali, Jr., Deputy Speaker of Parliament from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, the Islamic Da’wah Council of the Philippines, and Filipino companies who participated in the expo. ♦

Date of release: 30 May 2024