The global Halal economy is expanding at around 5% annually and is projected to reach a value of 10 trillion USD by 2028. Against this vast potential, Viet Nam has made a decisive shift in its approach. From being a “niche market” of experimental nature, Halal has evolved into a strategic direction contributing to the diversification of the country’s external economic development space.

Amid growing export headwinds, the first Glorious Spring Fair 2026 is shaping up as more than a traditional exhibition, emerging as a form of “soft infrastructure” for trade promotion, particularly for Viet Nam’s high-potential yet underdeveloped Halal industry.

Businesses in Ho Chi Minh City and Viet Nam have considerable room for export growth in the Malaysian market, which boasts strong purchasing power, diverse demand and consumption habits that closely align with Vietnamese products. Notably, Malaysia serves as a gateway for domestic enterprises looking to lay the groundwork for exporting to the global Halal market.

The Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Lam Dong Province welcomed a delegation from Malaysia, a key Halal tourism market, for a survey trip of local tourism and service products, and also organised the 2025 programme “Exchange, Connection and Tourism Development Cooperation between Lam Dong and Malaysian Partners”, on November 5.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung chaired the Viet Nam–Saudi Arabia investment roundtable in Riyadh on October 27 as part of his working trip to Saudi Arabia, calling for stronger bilateral cooperation and greater participation from Saudi investors in Viet Nam’s growing economy.

Viet Nam is placing strong emphasis on developing a Halal ecosystem, identifying it as a strategic direction that would not only open new export opportunities but also enhance the country’s position in the global value chain.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha underscored the Halal industry’s pivotal role in the 21st century during the opening of the Global Halal Summit 2025, a flagship event at the Malaysia International Halal Showcase 2025 (MIHAS 2025) in Kuala Lumpur on September 19.

The global Halal industry is expanding rapidly, but Vietnamese exporters have yet to fully capitalise on its opportunities. Experts believe Viet Nam needs a comprehensive, long-term strategy to develop its Halal sector, covering certification, market access, and capacity building.