Viện Nghiên cứu Nam Á, Tây Á và Châu Phi

Vietnam occupies a strategic position within the Southeast Asian region due to its membership in ASEAN, a regional organization composed of a variety of nations, including Islamic countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. This region is also of great importance for Islam, as more than three-fifths of the population practice this faith. Presently, there is an increasing global demand for halal products and services. Vietnam has numerous advantages for the production and exportation of halal products, such as an abundance of natural resources, a wide range of agricultural and aquatic products, a skilled workforce, and a geographically advantageous location with multiple seaports. However, Vietnam's halal industry is still in its infancy stages and encounters various challenges, including the lack of standards, certification, awareness, and access to the market. To overcome these hurdles and take advantage of the potential of the halal economy, Vietnam can draw lessons from the experiences of and collaborate with the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, which has a rich history and expertise in the halal industry. An approach to bolster cooperation between Vietnam and the MENA region is to encourage trade and establish agreements such as free trade agreements (FTA) and comprehensive economic partnership agreements (CEPA). The attraction of investors from the MENA region to Vietnam's halal sector can also prove beneficial. This collaboration has the potential to improve global halal product exports, thereby fostering economic development and promoting mutual understanding between the two regions. Furthermore, it can contribute to cultural and social integration within the diverse religious and cultural landscape, including the Muslim community in Vietnam.