Vietnamese businesses targeting Muslim consumers and premium global segments through Halal certification

Significant Market Potential Identified

The global Halal market presents substantial export opportunities for Vietnamese enterprises, particularly in agriculture, food, cosmetics, textiles, and pharmaceuticals sectors. However, accessing this profitable market demands comprehensive knowledge of Halal standards, consumer behaviors, and trading practices, according to experts at a July 14 seminar in Ho Chi Minh City.

Massive Global Market Worth Trillions

Do Quoc Hung, Deputy Director of the Department of Overseas Markets, emphasized the increasing significance of Halal markets within Vietnam’s market diversification approach. The worldwide Halal industry generates trillions of USD annually, serving over 2 billion consumers representing approximately 25% of global population.

GCC Region as Strategic Hub

The Gulf Cooperation Council, encompassing Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman, serves as a central hub in the global Halal supply chain. With elevated per capita incomes and substantial dependence on imported goods including food, cosmetics, and medicines, the region presents extensive opportunities for Vietnamese exporters. Vietnam-GCC bilateral trade reached $18 billion in 2024, with Vietnamese exports totaling $7.5 billion.

South Asia’s Promising Market

South Asia, housing approximately 600 million Muslims, offers another attractive Halal market with key destinations including Pakistan and Bangladesh. However, Vietnamese companies must satisfy strict Halal certification requirements and navigate cultural, religious, and technical obstacles to access these markets.

Consumer Preferences and Market Dynamics

Nguyen Minh Phuong from the Ministry of Industry and Trade highlighted that GCC consumers, with annual incomes ranging from $40,000 to $80,000 per capita, prioritize high-quality branded products over pricing. Popular categories include processed foods, seafood, instant noodles, rice, coffee, natural cosmetics, eco-friendly textiles, and household Halal products.

Challenges and Certification Requirements

Despite significant potential, the Halal market presents specific obstacles including the absence of unified certification systems, with each country maintaining its own authority. Complex customs procedures and slow payment methods also impede market entry. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Hang from HCA Vietnam emphasized that Halal certification encompasses the entire supply chain from raw materials to production, transport, and storage.

Strategic Advantages and Success Stories

Vietnam’s geographical position provides strategic advantages in accessing Halal markets in the UAE, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Several Vietnamese companies have successfully penetrated the Halal market, including Vinh Hoan Corp., Cau Tre Export Goods Processing JSC, and Trung Nguyen Coffee.

Path to Market Success

Experts recommend Vietnamese exporters focus on niche strengths, strictly adhere to Halal standards, utilize trade promotion networks, and establish partnerships with local distributors. Meeting Halal requirements enables businesses to reach both Muslim consumers and premium global market segments increasingly focused on quality and product safety.

Original Article:

VietnamPlus. (2025, July 15). Vietnam eyes opportunities to expand exports to Halal markets. VietnamPlus. https://en.vietnamplus.vn/vietnam-eyes-opportunities-to-expand-exports-to-halal-markets-post322729.vnp