A seminar on promoting international cooperation in the Halal industry between Vietnam and Indonesia was held on April 28 in Ho Chi Minh City by the Investment and Trade Promotion Center (ITPC) in collaboration with the Indonesian Consulate General.

In his speech, Tran Phu Lu, Director of ITPC, said Vietnam and Indonesia are strengthening economic cooperation toward sustainable and mutually beneficial development. According to the General Department of Customs, bilateral trade between the two countries reached US$4.2 billion in the first quarter of 2025, up 17% year-on-year. Vietnam’s exports totaled US$1.4 billion, mainly consisting of coffee, raw plastics, steel, textiles, and phones with components. However, trade potential remains largely untapped.

In Ho Chi Minh City alone, trade with Indonesia stood at US$1.6 billion in 2024, a 23% increase from the previous year, underscoring the need to further intensify trade activities.

The Halal industry is opening up vast prospects as it is forecast that by 2033, the global Halal market will hit close to US$6,000 billion for food and beverages alone, and around US$10,000 billion across all Halal-related sectors.

With a population of over 280 million, mostly Muslims, Indonesia is the world’s largest Halal market, offering tremendous potential for Vietnamese exports. Nevertheless, strict Halal standards and complex certification procedures present significant challenges.

To support businesses, ITPC and the Indonesian Consulate General organized the seminar to realize bilateral cooperation commitments following the upgrade of relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in March 2025. The two sides agreed to bolster cooperation in emerging fields such as the digital economy, green economy, AI solutions, and particularly Halal products.

At the event, Agustaviano Sofjan, Consul General of Indonesia in Ho Chi Minh City, emphasized that the upgraded ties between Vietnam and Indonesia lay a solid foundation for expanding all-around cooperation. He noted that collaboration in the Halal industry will be a priority, serving not only the Muslim community but also global consumers who value quality and safety standards.

Indonesia is ready to share its experience and assist Vietnam in developing Halal products, particularly in food processing, cosmetics, tourism, and financial services. He also urged businesses to actively connect and explore cooperation opportunities.

Soneta Asmara, Indonesian Consul for Economic Affairs in Ho Chi Minh City, remarked that amid global supply chain fragmentation, enhancing bilateral and regional linkages is crucial for driving growth. She pointed out that Indonesia and Vietnam are emerging as key growth engines in ASEAN, supported by young populations, rapid urbanization, strong infrastructure investment, and robust foreign direct investment inflows.

Both countries are also actively engaged in free trade agreements and the development of strategic sectors like electric vehicles, green energy, and high-tech industries.

On the technical side, Nguyen Thi Ngoc Hang, Marketing Manager of the Halal Certification Authority (HCA), provided detailed insights into Halal certification procedures in Indonesia. According to her, most imported products must obtain Halal certification by October 17, 2026, under Regulation No. 42/2024. Non-Halal products must be clearly labeled.

The certification process includes document review, on-site inspections, issuance of certificates, and registration on Indonesia’s SIHALAL system in accordance with BPJPH standards. Vietnamese businesses can apply through BPJPH-recognized organizations such as HCA, with requirements related to Halal supervisors and compliance with SJPH Standard No. 20/2023.

“We are committed to supporting Vietnamese businesses throughout the certification and labeling process to help them access not only the Indonesian market but also other Muslim-majority markets,” Hang affirmed.

Vietnam needs long-term strategy to make deeper inroads into Halal market

To tap into the growing Halal market, Vietnam must develop a Halal product ecosystem meeting quality and certification standards, according to experts.