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U.S. and Thailand Establish Strategic Partnership for Global Halal Standards
A Promising Beginning Built on Trust
A landmark cooperation agreement between U.S.-based Halal Watch World and Thailand’s Islamic Committee of Thailand (CICOT) was signed at Mega Halal Bangkok 2025, marking a significant step toward harmonizing international halal certification standards. This partnership addresses certification inconsistencies while opening new opportunities for businesses in the global halal market valued at over $2.3 trillion.
Partnership Details
The agreement was formalized during Mega Halal Bangkok 2025 (July 16-18 at BITEC Bangna), featuring Halal Watch World CEO Imam Mansoor Rafiq Umar alongside Thailand’s Grand Mufti and other international certification authorities. This collaboration creates streamlined certification processes between Southeast Asia and the United States, reducing traditional trade barriers and compliance costs.
Mega Halal Bangkok 2025 Highlights
Scale and Participation:
- 400-500 companies from 10 countries
- Over 15,000 vendors and exhibitors
- International delegations from major halal markets
Industry Sectors:
- Food and beverage (traditional and plant-based alternatives)
- Tourism and hospitality services
- Health and wellness products
- Fashion and lifestyle goods
- Islamic financial services
Market Impact:
- Thailand’s halal market: $2.247 billion USD (2023-2024)
- Over 7,000 certified operators in Thailand
- Strategic positioning as Southeast Asian halal hub
Strategic Benefits
Enhanced Market Access:
- Streamlined certification processes reduce dual-certification requirements
- Faster market entry timelines, particularly benefiting SMEs
- Established mechanisms for ongoing dialogue and issue resolution
Standardization Advantages:
- Harmonized certification standards across both markets
- Unified documentation, audit procedures, and compliance monitoring
- Joint training programs and collaborative research initiatives
Holistic Approach: Modern halal certification extends beyond food products to include environmental sustainability, fair labor practices, ethical sourcing, and corporate social responsibility across multiple sectors including tourism, healthcare, finance, and technology.
Business Impact
U.S. Companies: Gain easier access to Southeast Asian markets through Thailand’s regional distribution hub, with particular benefits for food manufacturers and technology companies developing halal-focused solutions.
Thai Businesses: Enhanced credibility and access to the high-purchasing-power U.S. market, especially benefiting food exporters and halal tourism operators.
Consumer Benefits: Enhanced assurance through internationally aligned standards, building confidence among both Muslim consumers seeking authentic halal products and non-Muslim consumers who associate halal certification with quality and ethical production.
Future Outlook
This partnership sets a precedent for global halal certification harmonization and may catalyze additional international agreements. Future collaboration areas include:
- Technology integration (blockchain tracking, AI-powered audits, mobile verification)
- Emerging market segments (halal pharmaceuticals, Islamic fintech, sustainable products)
- Digital transformation initiatives to improve efficiency and transparency
The success of this U.S.-Thailand partnership will likely influence broader international halal certification practices, providing essential infrastructure for sustainable and efficient halal commerce while maintaining the integrity of halal principles.
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