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’s mission is to advance and develop Thailand’s halal industry through international trade promotion and market expansion for halal products and services, focusing on publicity, exhibitions, and collaborations with potential countries.
Operating under the National Food Institute (NFI), the center is divided into the International Trade Promotion Division and the Production and Standards Development Division. It aims to establish an intelligent information system for the halal industry, promote international trade, and enhance Thai halal industry standards. The Prime Minister will chair the National Halal Industry Committee.
Representative Nalinee highlighted the global importance 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. Currently, Thailand has over 6,400 certified halal businesses, with halal food exports valued at about 222 billion baht in 2023. However, there is a need to boost competitiveness.
According to the NFI, the Thai Halal Industry Center will focus on structure and management in its first year, driving international market integration in halal, food, textiles, and wellness sectors. The goal is to increase businesses and exports, positioning Thailand as a halal hub in ASEAN.
The booth inauguration featured live demonstrations of various Thai halal dishes by renowned chefs and showcased successful halal products, such as international standard halal beef processing plants, “Befish” Narathiwat fish crackers, and Tha Thong bird’s nest. (NNT)
