WTCMM Hosts Halal Forum: From Farm to Finance
September 1, 2025
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Metro Manila, Philippines – The World Trade Center Metro Manila (WTCMM) proudly announces the fourth installment of its growing Halal Series under the prestigious Business Broadcast platform. Titled “From Farm to Finance: The Halal Economy Forum,” the event is scheduled for October 9, 2025, and will take place at the Luna Function Room of WTCMM in Pasay City. This highly anticipated forum aims to shed light on the immense potential and growing relevance of the global Halal economy, with a particular focus on Halal food production and Islamic banking and finance — two sectors experiencing exponential growth and increasing interest both in the Philippines and abroad. A Trusted Platform for Dialogue and Innovation Business Broadcast is WTCMM’s signature knowledge-sharing series, designed to convene thought leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and professionals for timely and relevant discussions on emerging business opportunities. Since its inception, Business Broadcast has become a trusted platform for unpacking pressing issues and sparking collaborations that drive innovation and inclusive growth. The Halal Series, launched as a thematic initiative under the Business Broadcast brand, continues to gain momentum with each edition. Previous events under the series have explored Halal certification, market entry strategies, regional cooperation, and value chain development, successfully drawing participation from both local and international stakeholders. With this fourth edition, “From Farm to Finance”, WTCMM builds upon the foundation laid by earlier sessions, this time broadening the discussion to capture the intersection of agriculture, food technology, finance, and ethical business practices under the Halal framework. Halal Economy: A Rising Global Force The global Halal economy has emerged as one of the most dynamic sectors in international trade. Estimated to be worth over USD 3 trillion, it encompasses a broad spectrum of industries that serve the needs of the global Muslim population, including food and beverage, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, fashion, tourism, and finance. In the Philippine context, Halal is gaining traction not only because of the growing domestic Muslim market but also due to the rising demand for Halal-certified products in key export markets such as the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and parts of Europe and North America. The Philippines, with its rich agricultural base and strategic trade positioning, holds vast untapped potential in this arena. “From Farm to Finance” aims to position the Halal economy not just as a religious requirement, but as a broader economic opportunity anchored on quality, hygiene, ethics, and global competitiveness. Event Highlights and Objectives The one-day forum will bring together an array of experts, entrepreneurs, government officials, Islamic finance practitioners, and Halal certification bodies. The event will feature panel discussions, keynote presentations, case studies, and networking sessions designed to: Explore the latest trends in Halal food production, including farm-level standards, supply chain management, traceability, and certification; Introduce and demystify Islamic finance instruments, including Sukuk (Islamic bonds), Takaful (Islamic insurance), and Shariah-compliant investment products; Highlight successful models of Halal business development and best practices from countries with mature Halal ecosystems; Identify opportunities for Filipino businesses to expand into the global Halal market through innovation, collaboration, and market intelligence; Facilitate dialogue between regulators, investors, and entrepreneurs to support a more enabling environment for Halal industries. Strengthening the Philippines’ Position in the Halal Supply Chain The timing of the forum is both strategic and necessary. With the increasing emphasis on food security, ethical consumerism, and financial inclusion, Halal is no longer a niche concept—it is a competitive business strategy. Moreover, the Philippines has declared Halal as a national economic priority through various policy measures spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), and other agencies. By hosting this forum, WTCMM reinforces its commitment to promoting inclusive, sustainable, and globally integrated business models. The event is expected to contribute to the broader goal of positioning the Philippines as a reliable player in the international Halal value chain, while providing a viable roadmap for local businesses to get involved. A Call for Participation WTC Metro Manila invites all interested stakeholders — including exporters, manufacturers, agri-preneurs, investors, banking professionals, trade attachés, and development organizations — to participate in the event and be part of this timely dialogue. “This is more than just a forum. It is a movement toward deeper understanding, strategic alignment, and practical collaboration,” said a WTCMM representative. “By convening experts across sectors, we hope to unlock new ways for Filipino enterprises to thrive in the global Halal market — from the farm, to the factory, to the financial system.” Registration details and the full program will be released in the coming weeks. Attendees can expect actionable insights, high-quality networking, and opportunities to form partnerships that can drive growth not only locally, but regionally and internationally. For inquiries and participation, please contact the WTCMM Secretariat or visit www.wtcmanila.com. Stay tuned for more updates through WTC Metro Manila’s official social media platforms.
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