Source: Vietnam Plus

Kawaguchiko, Japan – A strategic seminar focused on expanding Vietnamese exports to Indonesia’s massive Halal market took place in Ho Chi Minh City yesterday, highlighting significant growth opportunities amid evolving global trade dynamics.

Strategic Partnership Poised for Growth

The event, jointly organized by Ho Chi Minh City’s Investment and Trade Promotion Centre (ITPC) and the Indonesian Consulate General, underscored the strengthening bilateral relationship between the two Southeast Asian nations.

Speaking at the gathering, ITPC Director Tran Phu Lu emphasized that businesses must adapt to economic uncertainties by exploring emerging markets like the Halal sector. This strategic pivot could help offset potential contractions in traditional export destinations.

“Vietnam and Indonesia have built a solid foundation of economic cooperation aimed at mutual prosperity and sustainable development,” Lu stated during his address.

Trade Figures Show Promising Momentum

Recent data from Vietnam’s Department of Customs reveals encouraging growth in bilateral commerce. In Q1 2025, trade between the two countries reached $4.2 billion, marking a 17% increase compared to the same period last year.

Vietnamese exports to Indonesia, valued at $1.4 billion, primarily consisted of coffee, plastic materials, steel products, textiles, mobile phones, and electronic components.

Certification Challenges Remain

Despite these promising figures, Vietnamese enterprises face significant barriers when attempting to enter Indonesia’s Halal market. Lu acknowledged that stringent certification requirements and complex regulatory systems present substantial challenges for Vietnamese exporters.

The Indonesian Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, Agustaviano Sofjan, highlighted that the recent elevation of bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership on March 10 creates new avenues for collaboration, with the Halal industry representing a crucial area of focus.

“Indonesia is prepared to share its expertise regarding Halal standards and looks forward to expanding cooperation across multiple sectors,” Sofjan remarked.

Recommendations for Enhanced Cooperation

Industry experts participating in the seminar proposed several initiatives to strengthen Halal trade relations:

• Enhanced information exchange and technical collaboration in Halal certification processes
• Increased joint ventures and investment in Halal-related industries, including food processing, cosmetics, and tourism
• Greater participation in specialized trade exhibitions and business forums to build market connections

Global Halal Market Potential

The seminar emphasized the tremendous growth potential of the global Halal market, which encompasses food, beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and other sectors. Industry forecasts project this market to reach an estimated value of $10 trillion by 2030.

With Indonesia representing the world’s largest Halal market with over 280 million consumers, Vietnamese exporters stand to gain significantly by strategically positioning themselves in this space.

The seminar reflects Vietnam’s broader efforts to diversify its export markets and capitalize on the growing global demand for Halal-certified products. As the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Indonesia continues to deepen, both nations have expressed commitment to facilitating greater trade flows and addressing regulatory barriers.

Original Articles:

en.vietnamplus.vn. (n.d.). Seminar discusses scope for expanding Vietnam’s Halal exports to Indonesia. Retrieved April 29, 2025, from https://en.vietnamplus.vn/seminar-discusses-scope-for-expanding-vietnams-halal-exports-to-indonesia-post318310.vnp