Philippines seeks Brunei’s help to develop halal industry

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – The Philippines is seeking the help of Brunei Darussalam in developing the halal industry, particularly in the certification aspect. 

Halal refers to meat prepared as prescribed by Muslim law.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said the country needs the expertise of Brunei in creating halal products that have to undergo certified halal procedures. 

“We really have good discussions with respect to exploring the immense opportunities in developing halal products,” Lopez said Monday.

The trade and industry secretary was part of the delegation accompanying President Duterte on a three-day state visit in Brunei.

“As you know, the estimated halal market in the world is about $2 trillion, and we all know the expertise of the Brunei nation with respect to halal certification,” Duterte said before going to Brunei.

Brunei’s Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah received Duterte in formal ceremonies here with a 21-gun salute yesterday afternoon. The two heads of state also held bilateral talks at the Istana Nurul Iman, the sultan’s official residence and seat of the Brunei government.

Pointing out the government’s desire to maximize export of halal products, Lopez said: “We have our own certification in our country. However, as we try to put more emphasis in creating halal-certified products, we need the certification procedure, the credibility of the certification procedure, so that we can really export halal products.” 

He said a halal seal signifies quality and cleanliness. 

Lopez said the development of the Philippines’ halal industry was discussed during the President’s bilateral meeting with Bolkiah yesterday.

Lopez said Brunei would help improve the Philippines’ certification procedures.

He added the Philippines also has to develop halal-certified areas to entice more tourists into the country, saying halal-certified tourism has big earning potential for the Philippines.