@ Halal | January-February . 2025

Cambodia ’ s recent business forum seeks to develop its halal industry

“ Recognising the growth potential of the halal industry in neighbouring countries and globally , our company has initiated measures to help promote the halal industry in Cambodia .”

Huot Vantho

BY ZAFIRAH ZAFRUDDIN

This focus is a strategic move within the Cambodian government ’ s economic vision , which targets upper-middle income status by 2030 and high-income status by 2050 .

To encourage the expansion of local halalcertified businesses , the Kandal Provincial Departments of Industry , Science , Technology & Innovation ( DISTI ) held a business forum , according to Khmer Times .

The forum was also in collaboration with Baray Global Management ( BGM ) Company .

Titled ‘ Opportunities and Readiness for Global Halal Markets ’, the forum highlighted the potential of the halal industry and sought to encourage more production of local halalcompliant products . Its key objective was to support local producers and businesses in meeting international halal standards and facilitating access to global halal markets .

This initiative is expected to foster inclusive growth within Cambodia ’ s halal industry , with benefits extending to a wide range of stakeholders , thus contributing to economic development and social well-being .

The forum , chaired by DISTI Director Huot Vantho and BGM Managing Director Pich Mony , took place in Takhmao City , Kandal province . The goal is to position Kandal Province as the leading hub for the halal industry in Cambodia , setting a benchmark for other provinces .

Mony underlined BGM ’ s support of making Cambodia an industry leader in halal : “ Recognising the growth potential of the halal industry in neighbouring countries and globally , our company has initiated measures to help promote the halal industry in Cambodia .”

Mony also discussed the growing global

The “ Opportunities and Readiness for Global Halal Markets ” forum .

In the first 11 months of 2024 , there were reportedly 400,000 Muslim tourist arrivals in Cambodia . This represents a 23 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2023 .

Under the Ministry of Tourism , the Cambodian Muslim Tourism group hosted the country ’ s first Muslim Friendly Tourism Forum last year . It was themed , ‘ The Beauty of Harmonisation and Muslim Friendly Tourism Destinations : Opportunities and Preparedness ’.

The forum served as a platform for exchanging knowledge and best practices in regard to promoting the growth of Muslim-friendly tourism in Cambodia . Additionally , the forum addressed its key challenges and discussed development opportunities .

The Minister of Tourism of Cambodia , Huot Hak , was demand and awareness of halal products . Not to mention , online marketplaces are also expanding access to halal products .

“ Global consumption is estimated to exceed US $ 2.5 trillion in 2024 ,” he said , citing data from the Islamic Chamber Research & Information Centre ( ICRIC ) and Cognitive Market Research .

While halal food is a significant component of the global halal market , other sectors are also experiencing substantial growth . Daily consumer goods account for over US $ 8 trillion , and the combined value of halal pharmaceuticals , halal cosmetics , and Shariah-compliant financial services exceeds US $ 2.4 trillion .

The halal tourism sector contributes an estimated US $ 276 billion . With halal food projected to exceed US $ 5 trillion by 2030 , other halal industries are also expected to see significant growth .

According to Mony , BGM will continue organising this business forum to engage with the broader Cambodian Islamic community , both nationally and internationally . In doing so , he urged BGM to collaborate with local and international business partners to enhance investment and support for Cambodia ’ s halal products and services development . –

present , alongside ambassadors and representatives of Islamic countries in Cambodia , senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism and other government agencies , and 396 deputy governors from provincial and municipal administrations .

Malaysian Ambassador Shaharuddin Onn , Maybank ( Cambodia ) Plc Chief Executive Officer ( CEO ) Qazreen Chan Abdullah , Emirates Cambodia Country Manager Mohammed Al

Qasim , Halal Park Cambodia Halal Strategic Development Director Alfien Lizan Khan , and Serva Travel Founder and Managing Director Savath Mao were also present . This year , the Ministry of Tourism aims to attract more Muslim tourists to maintain a competitive edge in the Muslimfriendly tourism market . Hak called for active involvement from the private sector to diversify its tourism offerings .

He suggested doing so by organising tourism exchange programmes with Islamic countries and providing the necessary amenities and services like halal-certified restaurants and prayer rooms .

Besides improving services and developing infrastructure , this initiative will also focus on expanding promotional efforts , strengthening partnerships , and developing human resources to accommodate Muslim visitors better and make Cambodia a more attractive travel destination .