At the seminar, speakers offered fresh perspectives and modern approaches to halal products, combining religious, ethical and human values with branding strategies in order to link business purpose with consumer trust.

Speaking at the event, Ahmad Haikal Hasan, Head of Indonesia’s Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH), stressed that this approach represents an important strategic direction, enabling businesses not only to meet halal standards but also to position their brands with “emotional appeal”, build trust and pursue sustainable development in the global market, particularly amid increasingly intense competition among ASEAN and international economies.

Haikal Hasan noted that halal standards today are no longer limited to religious significance or legal obligations, but are increasingly regarded as global quality benchmarks linked to hygiene, safety, health and product quality.

In a recent media interview in Jakarta on the sidelines of the event, Haikal Hasan described Vietnam as a “potential supplier” of halal products, with strong prospects for deeper participation in the market, particularly in the fast-moving consumer goods segment. He said he plans to visit Vietnam next week to discuss the country’s progress in the global halal sector.

According to Haikal Hasan, Vietnam has many well-known fast-moving consumer products, such as snacks and beverages,that have yet to obtain halal certification, largely because a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) on halal certification between Indonesia and Vietnam has not yet been signed.

The BPJPH head added that Vietnam is making efforts to enter the global halal market, and Indonesia stands ready to support this process. He recommended that Vietnam accelerate all halal certification procedures, enabling Vietnamese products to contribute to the halal market in Indonesia and globally.

Experts said that promoting the signing of an MRA between Indonesia and Vietnam would open up ample room for bilateral trade cooperation, particularly within the global halal supply chain.

Halal market offers significant growth opportunities for Vietnamese exporters

As the global economy faces growing uncertainty, including geopolitical tensions, persistent inflation, and rising trade protectionism, diversifying export markets has become an urgent priority for Vietnamese businesses.