Vietnam and Halal food

During a recent trip to Hanoi in May 2007, I had a chance to sit with Hanoi Young Business Association. Its Vice Chairman, a young and smart businessman disclosed Vietnam's interest to explore the possibility of producing halal food. It plans to invite food producers from Malaysia, Singapore or Indonesia to locate their production facilities in the country, where it offers attractive packages to investors in this emerging sub-sector.

Vietnam is confident that it has what it takes to accomodate such growing industry. It is even willing to learn the technicalities of halal food production and manufacturing. It sees this niche industry as a huge opportunity as Muslims in the region are becoming more wealthy and more concerned with their food consumption.

Interestingly, Vietnam is also eyeing the Gulf countries as its potential market. Lately, many notable Arab leaders who are visiting South East Asia have been 'hijacked' to make a stop over in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minch City. A smart move, as these leaders hitherto are only visiting their traditional partners in the region, namely Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei.

Having said that, it now seems that Halal food is no longer considered as a 'nice to have' industry but increasingly becoming a niche industry with huge growth potentials. Market of over a billion customers is indeed hard to miss.

On a lighter side, finding halal food in Hanoi is an enduring experience. There are a handful of halal restaurants in town, but locating one is quite an experience. Few hotels serve halal food, especially those frequented my Malaysian businessmen or Middle eastern visitors. Hopefully, when halal food production facility is built someday, more and more halal restaurant will be opened.