The expo brought together local and international stakeholders , with representatives from trade commissions , government agencies , industry experts , and leading companies in the halal sector .

Extending its reach beyond the Middle East and North Africa ( MENA ) region , the 2024 edition welcomed participants from various countries such as the United States , China , Indonesia , Malaysia , Pakistan , the Philippines , Spain and others . This international presence was also reflected in the lineup of speakers for the panel discussions and presentation sessions .

The Indonesian Embassy , the Embassy of Peru , and the Vietnamese Embassy were also present . Their involvement enhanced the expo ’ s role as a vital platform for halal industry stakeholders to network , collaborate , and explore new market opportunities .

PHILIPPINES PAVILION

Taking centrestage at the opening ceremony of the expo was the inauguration of the Philippines Pavilion . This milestone marks a significant step towards positioning the Philippines as a halal hub in the Asia-Pacific region .

To support this , a team of 64 delegates , led by the Department of Trade and Industry ( DTI ), represented the Philippines at the event . The team included members of the Halal Export Board , certification bodies , government representatives from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao , the Philippine-Saudi Business Council , and industry leaders from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry .

“ The Saudi International Halal Expo is not just a market for the Middle East or the GCC ,” remarked the DTI Halal Industry Development and Trade Office Head and Programme Manager , Aleem Siddiqui M . Guiapal .

“ It brings together participants from

Inauguration of the Philippines Pavilion .

regions as far as China , Europe , and Asia- Pacific , giving us a powerful stage to present our products and services .”

With a US $ 7 million halal market , the Philippines sees promising economic opportunities for its halal-certified products .

“ The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh , while focused on supporting the nearly 800,000 Filipinos living here , is also expanding diplomatic efforts to capitalise on the economic opportunities within the halal sector ,” said the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh First Secretary and Consul , Dean Jason Arriola .

To support these efforts , the Philippine Embassy is preparing for the opening of the Philippine Trade and Investment Center ( PTIC ) in Riyadh . This centre will include a commercial counsellor or attaché who will help further the Philippines ’ economic diplomacy goals in the region .

In conjunction with these initiatives , the Central Bank of the Philippines recognised an opportunity in Islamic finance . Notably , the Philippines enacted the Islamic Banking Law in 2019 , which opened the financial system to both domestic and foreign Islamic banking institutions .

The Central Bank of the Philippines Assistant Governor Atty . Arifa A . Ala underlined

the importance of Islamic finance in supporting the growth of the halal industry in the Philippines .

“ Promoting and developing Islamic finance is essential for the growth of the halal industry , as various stakeholders within the halal value chain , including micro , small , and medium enterprises ( MSMEs ) and halal certification bodies , require funding ,” said Ala .

“ Given that the Central Bank is also part of the Halal Promotion Export Board , which the DTI chairs , there is a valuable opportunity to align the Central Bank ’ s objectives with the promotion of Islamic banking and finance in the country .”

CELEBRATING CULINARY DIVERSITY

The expo celebrated the diversity of halal cuisine through its Halal Food Gastronomy Competition , organised by the Saudi Chefs Association . This demonstration of culinary artistry illuminated the global appeal of halal cuisine , inspiring regions with growing interest in halal to capitalise on this expanding market .

Pastry Kitchen ’ s Chef Maryam , who is also one of the winning chefs , highlighted the variety of dishes featured in the competition .

“ We prepared Italian and Indian cuisines . One of the dishes prepared was a quinoa salad . We also included traditional Saudi favourites like maraheb , hineni , and Saudi kabsa .

“ It ’ s all halal food because we are Saudi , and we only have halal food ,” added Maryam , stressing the event ’ s strict adherence to halal standards .

The growth trajectory of the Saudi International Halal Expo underscored its vital role in the global halal sector . Under the leadership of 1st Arabia Trade Shows & Conferences Founder and CEO Bilal Al Barmawi , the expo not only solidified its position as the largest halal exhibition in the MENA region but has also established itself on the global stage .–