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.
