Talking to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) on April 14, Thang citedexperts as predicting that Singapore’s halal food market will sustain growth of7 - 10% in the coming years.
The Muslimcommunity, which accounts for 13.3% of Singapore's population, has high incomeand purchasing power. The country, which also attracts a large number of Muslimtourists, owns a widespread distribution system for halal products, he noted.
Pointingout certain challenges for Vietnamese firms, he said halal standards vary amongcountries, so halal food producers will face difficulties in maintainingdifferent production methods for different markets. Besides, the high costs andlong time for verifying each halal product may also be non-tariff barriers toVietnamese businesses.
Suggesting ways to boost halal product exports to Singapore, the counsellor said businesses of Vietnam should quickly andproactively change their production methods and management to meet commonhahal standards as well as specific rules in different countries.
He also described halal product and brand marketing asdifficult, noting that it is even harder to maintain their presence inSingapore after entering this market. Therefore, businesses need to ensure productquality consistency and satisfaction of standards.
In the time ahead, the Trade Office of Vietnamwill continue assisting Vietnamese enterprises to advertise their products andbrands, seek partners in Singapore, and meet the country’s authorities incharge of halal standards to update information about the field, Thang added./.