Thai Halal Industry Center Launched at THAIFEX-Anuga Asia 2024

Pimphattra Wichaikul, Minister of Industry, and Nalinee Taveesin, Thailand Trade Representative, jointly inaugurated the Thai Halal Industry Center booth at THAIFEX-Anuga Asia 2024. The center aims to advance Thailand’s halal industry through international trade promotion, market expansion, publicity, exhibitions, and collaborations with potential countries.

Operating under the National Food Institute (NFI), the center comprises the International Trade Promotion Division and the Production and Standards Development Division. Its mission includes establishing an intelligent information system, promoting international trade, and enhancing industry standards. The National Halal Industry Committee, chaired by the Prime Minister, will oversee these initiatives.

Nalinee Taveesin emphasized the global significance of Thailand’s halal industry, projecting the global halal food market to double by 2029 due to the growing Muslim population and expanding economies in Muslim-majority countries. Thailand currently has over 6,400 certified halal businesses, with halal food exports valued at approximately 222 billion baht in 2023. However, boosting competitiveness remains a priority.

In its first year, the Thai Halal Industry Center will focus on structure and management, driving international market integration in the halal, food, textiles, and wellness sectors. The goal is to increase businesses and exports, positioning Thailand as a halal hub in ASEAN.

Industry Innovations and Future Plans

The center will develop an intelligent information system for the halal industry, utilizing advanced data analytics to track market trends and consumer preferences. This system aims to enhance decision-making for businesses and policymakers, ensuring that Thailand remains competitive in the global halal market.

Furthermore, the center plans to host international halal trade fairs and exhibitions, bringing together industry leaders, businesses, and consumers. These events will showcase Thailand’s halal products, foster business partnerships, and promote cultural exchange.

Strategic Partnerships

To bolster its international presence, the Thai Halal Industry Center will collaborate with key countries, including those in the Middle East, Europe, and Southeast Asia. These partnerships will focus on mutual recognition of halal standards, joint research and development projects, and coordinated marketing campaigns.

Community and Economic Impact

The center’s initiatives are expected to have a significant impact on local communities, particularly in regions with a high concentration of halal producers. By providing training and resources, the center will help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) improve their production processes, meet international standards, and access new markets.

Additionally, the promotion of halal tourism is on the agenda. Thailand aims to attract Muslim tourists by offering halal-certified accommodations, restaurants, and travel services, thereby boosting the tourism sector and local economies.

Booth Highlights

The booth inauguration featured live demonstrations of various Thai halal dishes by renowned chefs, showcasing the culinary richness and diversity of Thailand’s halal cuisine. Products highlighted included international standard halal beef processing plants, “Befish” Narathiwat fish crackers, and Tha Thong bird’s nest. These demonstrations aimed to highlight the quality and diversity of Thai halal products, reinforcing Thailand’s position in the global halal market.

The Thai Halal Industry Center at THAIFEX-Anuga Asia 2024 represents a significant step forward in Thailand’s efforts to enhance its halal industry. With a comprehensive strategy focusing on international trade, market expansion, and industry standards, Thailand is poised to become a leading hub for halal products and services in the ASEAN region and beyond. The center’s initiatives will not only boost the country’s economy but also promote cultural exchange and understanding