Vietnam takes advantage of Halal market opportunities in Malaysia

According to a VNA reporter in Kuala Lumpur, bilateral trade between Vietnam and Malaysia in the Halal sector is growing strongly, but still faces pressure on the trade balance and requirements to comply with strict Islamic standards.

Mr. Ngo Quang Hung, Representative of the Vietnam Trade Office in Malaysia, introduces Vietnamese products at the Melaka International Halal Fair, taking place from 16-19/2025. Photo: VNA

Vietnam Customs data shows that by the end of September 2025, the total import-export turnover between the two countries exceeded 12 billion USD, up 12.9% over the same period last year. However, the trade balance was tilted towards Malaysia: Vietnam imported 8.17 billion USD from Malaysia (up 19.4%), while exports to Malaysia only reached 3.8 billion USD (up 1.3%), leading to a deficit of 4.29 billion USD.

Analyzing the Malaysian market, Mr. Ngo Quang Hung, Representative of the Vietnam Trade Office in Malaysia, commented that the Malaysian market is attractive with high purchasing power, diverse needs and closeness in consumer culture with Vietnamese goods. However, Vietnamese exports have to compete fiercely with China, Thailand and Indonesia. The biggest challenge is still the Halal certificate, an important barrier to penetrating this key Muslim market.

In that context, the Melaka state government, where the Melaka International Halal Festival (MIHF) 2025 will be held from October 16-19, has just established the Melaka Halal Industry Development Council (MPIH Melaka). Chief Minister Ab Rauf Yusoh stressed that the council will “speed up the process of accepting investors and approving Halal certification without cumbersome administrative procedures”.

A corner of the Melaka International Halal Fair, taking place from October 16-19. Photo: VNA

This move is considered a favorable opportunity for Vietnamese enterprises to overcome certification barriers, exploit the Melaka market and the broader regional Halal market. Melaka is aiming to become a regional Halal center, opening up new prospects for Vietnamese enterprises.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/kinh-te/viet-nam-tan-dung-co-hoi-thi-truong-halal-tai-malaysia-20251019200117493.htm