In August, Tay Ninh became the focal point of Vietnam’s Halal development. The province hosted a Halal supply chain conference linking Mekong Delta agriculture with Middle Eastern and African markets, a national Halal training program for officials and enterprises, and a meeting with the UAE Ambassador to strengthen UAE–Vietnam Halal cooperation.

These activities reaffirm Vietnam’s determination to expand its role in the global Halal market, while creating tangible opportunities for Vietnam Halal exports and the growth of Halal logistics, which plays a pivotal role in connecting Vietnamese products to international supply chains.

Government directions for Halal development

Senior Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Industry and Trade representatives reaffirmed that Halal is now a strategic priority. Several key initiatives are underway:

  • Developing the Mekong Delta into a Halal supply hub, leveraging its strengths in rice, seafood, and beverages.
  • Establishing a dedicated Halal industrial zone in Hai Phong, with plans to expand to Hue and Nghe An.
  • Hosting a national conference on Halal tourism in Hanoi by the end of the year.
  • Issuing a decree on Halal certification in Vietnam to standardize procedures and enhance international credibility.

At present, more than 30 organizations issue Halal certificates nationwide, but only three (GHC, HCA, and HALCERT) are legally registered and in the process of applying for international recognition. Once the new decree takes effect, Halal certification activities will be more strictly regulated, reducing the prevalence of non-standard approvals and enabling Vietnamese businesses to participate in the global Halal market with greater confidence.

Mr. Nguyen Tuan Anh, Acting Director of the Center for Conformity Certification, presented on Halal standards and certification

The global Halal market and Vietnam’s advantages

Halal is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world. With more than two billion Muslims, around 25% of the global population, demand for Halal products continues to expand, covering not only food but also cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, fashion, tourism, finance, and Halal logistics.

The global Halal market is projected to reach USD 10 trillion by 2028, highlighting its immense growth potential.

Vietnam holds strong advantages in this field:

  • Agriculture and seafood: The Mekong Delta agriculture sector accounts for over 50% of Vietnam’s rice, 65% of farmed seafood, and 70% of fruit, forming the backbone of Vietnam's Halal exports.

  • Export growth: Seafood shipments to the Middle East and Africa have been increasing significantly, showing the rising demand for Vietnam's Halal products.

  • National strategy: The government views Halal development as a strategic pathway to diversify markets, ensure economic security, and enhance Vietnam’s international standing.

Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Hang delivered the opening speech at the Halal training program for officials and enterprises in the Mekong Delta

UAE – A strategic partner and positive signal for Tay Ninh

During his visit to Tay Ninh, UAE Ambassador Bader Almatrooshi praised the province’s landscape and investment climate, emphasizing that the UAE will serve as a bridge to help local businesses integrate more deeply into the Halal value chain.

Key points include:

  • The UAE recognized Tay Ninh’s strategic position as a gateway of Southeast Vietnam, linking Ho Chi Minh City with Phnom Penh through the Moc Bai and Xa Mat international border gates.

  • The Ambassador reaffirmed that the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA 2024) provides a strong foundation for sustainable UAE–Vietnam trade and investment cooperation.

  • The UAE encouraged enterprises from Tay Ninh and the Mekong Delta to participate in international trade fairs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, expanding Halal cooperation beyond the Middle East to global markets.

  • Priority areas for collaboration include Halal agriculture, Halal logistics, tourism, and trade services.

In practice, the UAE is increasing its investment in Vietnam’s logistics infrastructure. DP World has outlined expansion plans for Cai Mep and Cai Cui ports, while Emirates Airlines is preparing to add more commercial and cargo flights, strengthening connectivity between Vietnam, the Middle East, and Central Asia.

UAE Ambassador to Vietnam Bader Almatrooshi praised Tay Ninh’s advantages

Halal Logistics - The bridge to Global Supply Chains

Halal logistics is the decisive factor in transforming potential into performance. With new investments in ports, aviation, and Halal industrial zones, Vietnam is positioned to become a global Halal supply chain hub.

For logistics providers, this requires:

  • Ensuring Halal compliance across end-to-end supply chains.

  • Multimodal Halal logistics solutions connecting Mekong Delta products with GCC and African markets.

  • Applying technology for transparency and traceability in Halal-certified exports.

The recent Halal-focused activities in Tay Ninh demonstrate that Halal is becoming a strategic direction for Vietnam. From government policies and rising demand in the UAE to the active participation of local enterprises, these elements are shaping the foundation for Vietnam to gradually build a complete Halal ecosystem.

Within this context, Halal logistics serves as the critical bridge. With its operational capacity and industry expertise, PCS Logistics partners with businesses to capture opportunities in the global Halal market, ensuring that Vietnam Halal exports and “Made in Vietnam” products reach international consumers with efficiency and compliance.