"Halal" is an Arabic word which means lawful, permissible, or allowable. It does not just refer to food and products consumed and services availed in the market, but covers all tangible and intangible aspects that guides the way of life of an individual.

For countries in the Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), Halal is widely known and practiced. The market for Halal is popular among non-Muslims for its strict adherence to high quality and health standards, making it a lucrative industry. Moreover, its rising demand holds great potential and presents opportunities for Philippines to foster economic growth, not only in Asia, but in the wider international arena as well.

The promulgation of Republic Act 10817, or the "Philippine Halal Export Development and Promotion Act of 2016", aims to position the country as an active player in both regional and international markets and not just a mere observer in the global trade. Further, it recognizes the prospects of Halal industries to usher accelerated and inclusive economic development, especially in the grassroots level.

While the necessary legal basis and enabling mechanism are in place, there is still much needed to be done to further unlock and optimize the fullest potential of the sector and achieve the aspiration of becoming a premier and competitive Halal hub.

It is against this backdrop that the ECCP is hosting the webinar, "Tapping into the Thriving Philippine Halal Industry and its Prospects for Economic Development" on 24 April 2023 at 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM via Zoom. The event aims to increase awareness on the Halal industry's present developments and its business and investment prospects that will not only help the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises but also other players in the entire value chain.