COVER STORY 09
November-December. 2025 | @ Halal
COVER STORY 09
Supakit remarked that while the global halal market has been growing at an average annual rate of 6-8 per cent, Thai halal exports have only increased by 4.2 per cent, underlining the need for a strategic push to achieve a growth rate of at least 10 per cent and position Thailand as " the halal hub of ASEAN."
In support of this goal, the OIE has crafted a five-year development plan for the halal industry from 2024 to 2028. This plan aims to elevate international halal standards, enhance production and logistics infrastructure, and establish a“ Halal Industrial Park” to attract future investment.
“ Halal is the new economic gateway for Thailand, leveraging the country ' s strengths in food, tourism, and healthcare. The OIE will encourage Thai businesses to emerge as global leaders in the halal industry,” he concluded.
NEW ENGINE FOR GROWTH
During a panel discussion titled“ Halal Economy: A New Economic Treasure”, OIE Deputy Director General Pattarapon Limpakdee asserted that halal represents a " new engine " capable of driving industrial GDP growth. He pointed out the significant " opportunity gap " for expansion, given that Thailand’ s halal exports currently occupy just 1.6 per cent of the global market.
The OIE has developed a systematic five-year plan( 2024-2028) to advance Thailand ' s halal economy through three main strategies:
• Demand: Promoting trade and increasing global awareness of Thai halal products and services.
• Supply: Improving product quality and production processes to meet international standards, with an emphasis on low-carbon and renewable energy trends that will be critical for future exports.
• Ecosystem: Strengthening the supply chain from upstream to downstream and developing support mechanisms in line with the Quick-Big-Win policy across various timeframes.
NEW ENGINE FOR GROWTH
During a panel discussion titled“ Halal Economy: A New Economic Treasure”, OIE Deputy Direc- tor General Pattarapon Limpak- dee asserted that
Dr Panita Shinawatra halal represents a " new engine " capable of driving industrial GDP growth. He pointed out the significant " opportunity gap " for expansion, given that Thailand’ s halal exports currently occupy just 1.6 per cent of the global market.
The OIE has developed a systematic five-year plan( 2024-2028) to advance Thailand ' s halal economy through three main strategies:
• Demand: Promoting trade and increasing global awareness of Thai halal products and services.
• Supply: Improving product quality and production processes to meet international standards, with an emphasis on low-carbon and renewable energy trends that will be critical for future exports.
• Ecosystem: Strengthening the supply chain from upstream to downstream and developing support mechanisms in line with the Quick-Big-Win policy across various timeframes.
HALAL ONE-STOP SERVICE
Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion( OSMEP) Acting Director General Dr Panita Shinawatra emphasised the agency ' s commitment to developing SMEs by addressing weaknesses in management, production processes, marketing, and product quality.
One significant challenge identified was the limited access to essential information, particularly in the halal sector. Many businesses perceive certification and halal approval as cumbersome, creating barriers to market expansion.
“ I want all parties to advocate for the‘ Halal One Stop Service’ concept to elevate the standards of Thai products, both halal and non-halal, to international recognition, while building consumer trust worldwide,” she stated.
DRIVING SME HALAL GROWTH
Small and Medium Enterprise Development Bank of Thailand( SME D Bank) Managing Director Phichit Mitrawong shared that the bank actively supports halal SME operators by enhancing their potential through the " DX Platform," which provides comprehensive financial and development services.
The bank outlined three key initiatives to foster halal business growth:
Narongdej Sukchan
" Currently, Thailand’ s main exports are food, making up 67 per cent of halal export value( around US $ 6 billion), followed by chemicals at 20 per cent( US $ 1.75 billion).”
- Supakit Boonsiri
• Capital Injection: By offering appropriate credit and funding options, halal SMEs can access the capital needed for sustainable business expansion.
• Entrepreneur Development: Preparing SMEs for funding access through training, knowledge sharing, and tools to manage their businesses more effectively.
• Investment Collaboration: Reducing financial burdens on operators by promoting investment partnerships, enabling business expansion without solely relying on loans. " We should establish the ' Halal
Economy Integration Centre ' as a central hub for policy and coordination under a single command," Phichit proposed.
A GLOBAL DRIVING FORCE
Central Islamic Council of Thailand Deputy Secretary-General Narongdej Sukchan explained that Thailand’ s halal certification standards extend beyond the country ' s Muslim population, embodying the nation ' s halal certification as a whole, represented by“ The Central Islamic Council of Thailand”.
Since its establishment in 1949, this certification has gained global recognition, enabling Thai halal products to enter international markets and earning the trust of consumers in both Muslim-majority and non-Muslim countries.
UNLOCKING OPPORTUNITIES
Islamic Bank of Thailand Managing Director Dr Thaweelap Rittapirom emphasised the need to shift entrepreneurs ' mindsets to adapt to halal standards to unlock further economic opportunities.
He suggested positioning Thailand as a " Muslim-friendly country " to capitalise on the vast potential of the halal economy. With 1 in 4 people globally being Muslim, sectors such as food, tourism, and travel present substantial growth opportunities.
The young Muslim population, in particular, represents a significant future purchasing power, offering vast potential for growth in the halal market.-
“ Mindset change is essential to unlocking halal opportunities.”
- Dr Thaweelap Rittapirom
Image Source: The Nation Thailand