JAKARTA – Vietnam and Malaysia are forging stronger economic partnerships with a particular focus on the rapidly expanding global halal food industry, positioning both nations to capitalize on unprecedented market opportunities driven by increasing worldwide demand.

Bilateral Trade Growth Sets Foundation for Halal Expansion

During a strategic seminar held in Ho Chi Minh City titled “Export Prospects to the Halal Market through the Malaysia Gateway in 2025,” industry leaders highlighted the remarkable growth in bilateral trade relations. Ho Thi Quyen, Deputy Director of Ho Chi Minh City’s Investment and Trade Promotion Centre (ITPC), revealed that commercial exchanges between the two nations have experienced dramatic growth, doubling from $7.2 billion in 2011 to $14.2 billion in 2024.

The ambitious target of reaching $25 billion in bilateral trade by 2030 underscores both countries’ commitment to deepening economic cooperation, with the halal sector identified as a key growth driver.

Massive Market Potential Drives Strategic Focus

The global halal market represents an extraordinary opportunity, with projections indicating it will reach $5 trillion by 2030. This growth is fueled by a global Muslim population exceeding two billion people, creating substantial demand that currently outpaces supply by 80 percent worldwide.

“The halal market represents a dynamic and rapidly growing economic segment that appeals not only to Muslim consumers but increasingly attracts non-Muslim buyers who prioritize quality, safety, ethical sourcing, and sustainability,” explained Firdauz Othman, Malaysia’s Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City.

Vietnam’s Strategic Halal Development Initiative

Vietnam has demonstrated significant commitment to capturing this market through its comprehensive ‘Project to Strengthen International Cooperation in Building and Developing Vietnam’s Halal Industry by 2030.’ This national initiative positions Vietnam as a reliable participant in the global halal ecosystem, following the successful path established by industry leaders.

Dr. Phu Van Han, Vice President and General Secretary of the Association of Ethnology and Anthropology of Ho Chi Minh City, emphasized that this national project represents a crucial strategic move to establish Vietnam as a trustworthy player in the global halal value chain while enabling domestic businesses to access and penetrate high-potential halal markets.

Malaysia as Strategic Gateway and Partner

Malaysia’s role extends beyond partnership to serving as a crucial gateway to global halal markets. The country offers Vietnamese businesses access to robust infrastructure, deep industry expertise, and government-supported promotion platforms that facilitate market entry.

Zaimah Osman, Trade Commissioner of the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) in Ho Chi Minh City, highlighted Malaysia’s commitment to bilateral cooperation through its extensive global network of 48 offices, including dedicated operations in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, providing market insights and trade advisory services.

Addressing Market Entry Challenges

Despite the enormous opportunities, Vietnamese businesses face several obstacles in accessing halal markets. Currently, Vietnam has limited authorized halal certifiers, and certification costs remain prohibitively high for small and medium enterprises. Additional challenges include requirements for Muslim supervisors during production processes, creating logistical complexities.

To overcome these barriers, experts propose several strategic solutions:

Certification Partnerships: Establishing agreements with renowned halal certification bodies including JAKIM (Malaysia), MUIS (Singapore), and MUI (Indonesia)

Infrastructure Development: Creating specialized halal industrial parks and logistics hubs

Education and Training: Establishing halal training centers and fostering university-industry collaborations

Technology Integration: Implementing blockchain technology for digitized certification processes and enhanced traceability

Brand Development: Building a comprehensive “Vietnam Halal Certified” national brand

Encouraging Developments and Market Access

Vietnam’s halal certification efforts have achieved significant recognition, with the country’s Halal Certification Authority (HCA) receiving official recognition from Malaysia’s Department of Islamic Development (JAKIM). This milestone paves the way for smoother market entry and enhanced trade opportunities.

Digital Platforms and Trade Opportunities

Shariza binti Abdul, Halal Product Lead at Maybank Malaysia, highlighted innovative market access channels, including the Salaam Market – Malaysia’s pioneering B2B halal e-commerce platform. This digital marketplace provides Vietnamese businesses with accessible entry points to the Malaysian halal market.

Additionally, the upcoming Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS), scheduled for September 17-20 in Kuala Lumpur, offers valuable networking and promotional opportunities for Vietnamese companies seeking to establish their presence in the halal market.

Beyond Religious Requirements: Quality and Sustainability

Industry experts emphasize that halal certification transcends religious requirements, serving as a global benchmark for hygiene, ethics, and sustainability. This broader appeal explains why non-Muslim consumers increasingly choose halal-certified products, expanding the market beyond traditional demographics.

Malaysia’s domestic halal market alone is projected to reach $113.2 billion, demonstrating the substantial opportunities available even within individual markets.

Strategic Implications for Regional Trade

The Vietnam-Malaysia halal market cooperation represents a model for regional economic integration, demonstrating how countries can leverage complementary strengths to access global markets. Vietnam’s agricultural capabilities and manufacturing expertise, combined with Malaysia’s established halal infrastructure and market access, create a powerful partnership positioned to capture significant market share in the growing global halal economy.

This collaboration not only benefits both nations economically but also contributes to the broader development of Southeast Asia as a major player in the global halal market, potentially reshaping regional trade dynamics and establishing new pathways for sustainable economic growth.

Original article:

vietnamnews.vn. (n.d.). Việt Nam, Malaysia strengthens ties to tap the lucrative global Halal market. Retrieved August 11, 2025, from https://vietnamnews.vn/economy/1722847/viet-nam-malaysia-strengthen-ties-to-tap-lucrative-global-halal-market.html