The global Halal market is emerging as a “green gold mine” in the food industry, with over 2.2 billion consumers and an estimated annual value of $2 trillion. However, to access this promising market, Vietnamese enterprises must overcome numerous barriers related to standards, certifications, and market entry procedures. In this context, the Vietnam International Sourcing Expo is identified as a strategic bridge, bringing together international buyers, certification partners, and support organizations to help Vietnamese businesses effectively penetrate the Halal market.
With a population exceeding 2.2 billion, Halal markets in Muslim-majority countries are becoming some of the world’s largest consumer markets.
From the Prime Minister’s Directive to a Halal Export Promotion Strategy
On May 14, 2025, the Government Office issued Document 4169/VPCP-KTTH conveying Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s directive, instructing the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to develop a plan to promote Halal food exports. This concrete action aims to realize the strategy of expanding exports to Muslim markets, particularly in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, if opportunities are effectively leveraged, Vietnam could achieve significant growth in the Halal market. Capturing just 10% of the global market share could yield hundreds of billions of USD in export revenue in the coming years.
Major Barriers: Strict Halal Standards and Limited Access Channels
Despite the vast potential, the Halal market—especially in countries like Indonesia, the UAE, and other Muslim-majority nations—maintains high protectionism and stringent requirements, including:
- Official Halal certification from authorized local agencies
- National standards (e.g., Indonesia’s SNI)
- Specific import port regulations and distribution licenses per product category
- Strict trade defense measures and food safety controls
Many Vietnamese enterprises face challenges due to a lack of market information, insufficient personnel knowledgeable about Halal standards, and limited connections with reputable certification organizations. Finding international Halal buyers is also challenging, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises.
For Vietnamese businesses, the journey to obtaining Halal certification remains full of challenges.
Vietnam International Sourcing Expo – A Comprehensive Platform for Halal Businesses
In this context, the Vietnam International Sourcing Expo serves as a multi-tiered trade promotion platform, enabling enterprises to:
- Directly engage with Halal buying delegations from the Middle East, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Africa—regions with the highest Halal food consumption globally.
- Connect with Halal certification organizations from the UAE, Indonesia, and Malaysia—assisting businesses in understanding processes, standards, and optimizing certification costs.
- Meet representatives from international distribution systems, importers, and trade offices from over 60 countries, expanding their consumption networks.
- Participate in specialized seminars, updating on Halal consumption trends, new technical barriers, and practical export experiences from pioneering enterprises.
- Connect with intermediary organizations, associations, and units supporting the adaptation of production to Halal standards—from raw materials and processing to packaging and logistics.
Lulu Group—one of the leading retail conglomerates in the Middle East—has participated in the Vietnam Sourcing Expo for three consecutive years.
Redefining Strategy: Halal Is No Longer a Niche Market
Exporting Halal food is no longer a niche market but should be identified as a pillar in Vietnam’s agricultural and food export development strategy in the coming period. Leveraging trade agreements (EVFTA, CPTPP, RCEP), combined with international connection platforms like the Vietnam Sourcing Expo, will help Vietnamese enterprises deeply and sustainably integrate into the global Halal ecosystem.
Conclusion
In the journey to conquer the $2 trillion market, the Vietnam International Sourcing Expo is the place for enterprises to:
- Begin the journey of properly understanding Halal standards
- Find suitable international buyers
- Connect with reliable certification organizations
- Redefine products and capabilities according to global standards
Conquering the Halal market is no longer a distant future—it starts with participating in the Vietnam Sourcing Expo.
