BANGKOK — The National Halal Industry Committee set guidelines for developing and driving the country’s halal industry over the next 4 years (2024-2027). The goal is to expand the country’s industrial GDP by 1.2%, totaling 55,000 million baht.
Following the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) of the Ministry of Commerce monitored the global food security situation, it was found that major countries importing agricultural and food products from Thailand have increasingly implemented food security measures by relying more on self-sufficiency.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is spearheading efforts to support Thailand as a food hub, particularly in the expanding Halal food market, which presents more growth and opportunities for Thailand to participate. According to the National Halal Industry Committee, Thai Halal food exports in 2023 expanded by 4.0% to 222,289 million baht.
The initial phase of Thailand’s Halal industry’s 4-year development plan, which aims to elevate Thailand as the hub of Halal excellence in ASEAN by 2027, targets five groups of Halal products and services:
- Halal foods, such as meat and seafood
- Halal fashion, including textiles, pearls, and leather goods
- Halal pharmaceuticals, herbal products, and cosmetics
- Cocoa and related products
- Halal services and tourism
The government has also outlined operational frameworks to enhance the quality and international standards of Thailand’s Halal product manufacturing industry through three main strategies:
Promoting international trade and strengthening the supply chain for Thai Halal products. This includes promoting Thai Halal food products’ potential and expanding their domestic and global market.
Developing production capabilities and standards for Thailand’s Halal industry. This entails creating prototype Halal products and improving the export capabilities of Thai Halal industry entrepreneurs.
Improving the environmental factors affecting Thailand’s Halal industry. This includes:
a. Establishing the Halal Intelligence Unit (Halal IU) as a database for in-depth market reports and analysis.
b. Developing the Thailand Halal Valley in the southern region to serve as the hub for the country’s Halal industry development. This involves:
Establishing testing laboratories for Thai Halal products
Developing the skills of the Thai Halal workforce and personnel.
“We want to push Thailand to become the global food hub and the Halal hub of ASEAN by 2027, creating opportunities for farmers and food-related entrepreneurs, stimulating the economy, creating jobs, and distributing income for Thai people and the Thai economy,” Government Spokesperson Chai Wacharonke stated on July 15, 2024.
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