Several businesses in Da Nang have successfully entered the Halal market, and the city’s Department of Industry and Trade is continuing to support enterprises in exploring and capitalizing on this promising global segment.

A Vast Market with Untapped Potential

According to Mr. Pham The Cuong, Commercial Counselor at the Vietnam Trade Office in Indonesia, the global Halal market holds enormous potential, with a consumer base of approximately 2 billion people—nearly one-fourth of the world’s population—and is projected to reach a total economic value of around USD 10 trillion by 2028.

He emphasized that demand for Halal products, both globally and in Indonesia, remains very high, offering substantial room for Vietnamese exports. Developing Halal-compliant products will not only help Vietnamese companies expand into new markets but also enhance competitiveness and promote sustainable growth—especially for Da Nang’s emerging enterprises.

However, the current export value to Halal markets remains modest, primarily due to the stringent certification requirements. Obtaining Halal certification is a prerequisite for market entry but involves lengthy procedures and high costs. The Halal production process also demands strict adherence to specific religious and technical standards.

As of October 2025, only nine Da Nang-based enterprises have been granted Halal certification, mainly in frozen seafood, flour, and confectionery.

My Phuong Food Co., Ltd., one of the few Da Nang companies holding Halal certification, has successfully exported to Malaysia and Israel. According to its Director, Ms. Mai Thi Y Nhi, the company has undergone three consecutive Halal re-certifications, meeting nearly all criteria through the use of natural ingredients and clean production processes. In 2025, My Phuong Food participated in several international trade fairs to expand its reach into major Halal markets, including Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Egypt, and India.

Ms. Nhi noted that Da Nang’s agricultural diversity presents a strong foundation for local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to develop plant-based, eco-friendly products aligned with Halal principles. “If Da Nang businesses can leverage local raw materials, they can participate deeply in the global Halal supply chain, as Halal products are consumed worldwide—from Muslim to non-Muslim countries, from developed to developing economies,” she said.

Active Government Support for Market Access

Mr. Cuong encouraged Vietnamese companies to proactively research Halal regulations through official government websites in their target markets or via Vietnam’s trade offices abroad. He also advised businesses to apply for Halal certification—ideally in Indonesia, as having certification in advance is a major competitive advantage when negotiating with importers and distributors.

He further recommended fostering partnerships between Vietnamese firms and companies from established Halal industries, such as Indonesia, to form integrated supply chains that span from raw material production to global distribution.

Businesses can also explore opportunities through major international trade fairs, local distributors, and the Vietnamese business community in Indonesia, as well as through cross-border e-commerce platforms.

The Vietnam Trade Office in Indonesia remains committed to supporting Vietnamese enterprises with market intelligence and trade promotion assistance.

According to Da Nang’s Department of Industry and Trade, numerous initiatives have been carried out to help local enterprises understand Halal standards and navigate the certification process. These include training programs, certification guidance, and support for participation in specialized trade fairs and exhibitions.

In September 2025, the department led a business delegation to the Malaysia International Halal Exhibition, where several Da Nang companies secured potential orders and partnerships. More recently, in October 2025, during the city’s Export Promotion Conference, the department invited the Vietnam Trade Office in Indonesia to provide guidance on Halal compliance and export strategies.

Going forward, Da Nang’s Department of Industry and Trade will continue assisting businesses in meeting Halal certification requirements, enhancing marketing and trade promotion efforts, and building connections with distributors and partners in major Halal-consuming nations. With a global population of roughly 2 billion consumers, the Halal market represents a vast export opportunity. While the certification process remains demanding, Da Nang’s early adopters are paving the way for others—signaling a growing regional commitment to sustainable, culturally inclusive trade.

Source: Bao Cong Thuong