Huge potential, limited local access

According to Trade Counselor Pham The Cuong of the Vietnam Trade Office in Indonesia, the global Halal market holds tremendous potential, with around 2 billion consumers, nearly a quarter of the world’s population, and continues to expand.

The global Halal economy is projected to reach about USD 10 trillion before 2028, encompassing a wide range of sectors and boasting high growth prospects.

Pham The Cuong noted that the demand for Halal products worldwide, particularly in Indonesia, remains substantial and offers vast room for Vietnam’s exports, provided domestic enterprises invest seriously in Halal product development. “Focusing on Halal products not only opens up new markets and enhances competitiveness but also provides a sustainable direction for Vietnamese businesses, including those in Da Nang'', he emphasized.

Currently, Vietnam’s export turnover to Halal markets remains modest, primarily due to the major challenge of obtaining Halal certification, a prerequisite for entering this market. The certification process is often lengthy and costly, while production regulations are rigorous.

To succeed, enterprises must show strong commitment and make strategic investments in both human and financial resources. Building trust among Indonesian consumers, Pham The Cuong added, requires consistent improvement in product quality and safety standards.

As of October 2025, only 9 Da Nang enterprises have received Halal certification, focusing mainly on frozen seafood, flour, and confectionery. Among them, My Phuong Food Co., Ltd. has successfully exported to two Halal markets, Malaysia and Israel.

Mai Thi Y Nhi, the company’s director, said the firm has maintained Halal recertification for three consecutive years. “Our products meet nearly all Halal standards, from natural raw materials to clean production processes. In 2025, we will attend several international trade fairs to expand exports to major Halal markets such as Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Egypt, and India,” Mai Thi Y Nhi shared.

She added that Da Nang’s expanded agricultural zones offer great opportunities for local small and medium-sized enterprises to develop plant-based, eco-friendly products. “If Da Nang businesses know how to make use of local raw materials, they can fully participate in the global Halal supply chain. Halal products are consumed worldwide, not only in Muslim countries but also in non-Muslim, developed and developing economies alike,” she said.

Continued support for business engagement

Trade Counselor Cuong recommended that Vietnamese enterprises proactively learn about Halal regulations through the official websites of Halal authorities in target markets or through trade offices. “It is advisable to obtain Halal certification before contacting importers or distributors in Indonesia. Having certification in advance gives enterprises a competitive edge,” he noted.

He also suggested fostering partnerships between Vietnamese firms and those from countries with established Halal industries, such as Indonesia, to build closed supply chains, from raw material sourcing to production and export.

Enterprises are also encouraged to seek potential partners via international exhibitions in Indonesia, through local distributors, or by leveraging overseas Vietnamese networks and business associations. Cross-border e-commerce is another modern and efficient channel for connection.

“The Vietnam Trade Office in Indonesia stands ready to assist businesses with market information and trade promotion activities,” Pham The Cuong affirmed.

According to the Da Nang Department of Industry and Trade, the city has organized various activities to help businesses gradually understand and access the Halal market. These include training sessions on certification requirements, and support for participation in specialized Halal exhibitions.

“In September 2025, Da Nang’s delegation joined the Malaysia International Halal Exhibition 2025 to showcase local products. Several enterprises secured orders and established connections with potential distributors”, a department representative said.

Most recently, in October 2025, the department hosted a trade connection and export promotion conference with participation from the Vietnam Trade Office in Indonesia, aiming to guide local businesses in meeting Halal standards. The event also promoted awareness of Halal certification, encouraged traders at local markets to offer Halal-compliant goods, and strengthened efforts to expand Halal exports.

In the coming time, the department will continue assisting enterprises in meeting certification requirements, promoting Halal products, and facilitating trade links with partners from Halal-consuming countries to effectively exploit this vast and promising market.

With a population of around 2 billion, the Halal market offers significant export potential. While only a few Da Nang enterprises have begun to enter this market, local authorities remain committed to helping more businesses standardize production processes, obtain certification, and increase their presence in the global Halal supply chain.