In order to assist our industries in recognizing the business opportunities of Muslims, Commerce Development Research Institute (CDRI) has recently organized a seminar with the Bureau of Foreign Trade to share the latest Halal business opportunities. The event was conducted by Thomas Tseng, Deputy Director General of Marketing and Consumer Behavior Research Division.
According to CDRI, it is expected that by 2050, the Islamic population will reach up to 28 billion, accounting for 30% of the world's population, such a huge religious population dividends, the whole world is competing to be in Halal business. Nearly 60 Muslim countries in nearly 200 countries, there are 60% living in Asia, mostly in two southeast Asian countries, one is Malaysia (64% of the total population), and the other is Indonesia up to 85%, and if we want Muslim business opportunities, we must know ourselves.
Speaking of Islam, the first impression for many people would be a strict rules and regulations, only exposed eyes with traditional clothing, but more than 85% of the Muslims in Indonesia, are a group of open, fun and loving group. Walking on the streets of Indonesia, we can find Indonesian Muslim women, although still wearing traditional clothing, but the color is colorful, filled with exclusive tropical country gorgeousness, shoes can be sandal or high heels with the occasion and bling bling jewelry. Muslim is a state religion for Malaysia, due to Malay, Chinese and Indians, contributing Malaysia as a multicultural country.
At the day of the event, many business owners have concerns regarding "whether the products required obtaining a Halal certification before exportation," Thomas Tseng, Deputy Director General pointed out that the fact that Halal certification was originated in the Islamic law, their products (to be eaten or touched physically) must be consistent with the doctrines of Islam. "Halal" products must be traced back to the source for Muslin, from raw material to product processing, including factory facilities, manufacturing machinery, packaging, storage, logistics, and even the ultimate retail stores must conform the doctrine of Islam. However, the Halal certification is not a necessary condition for the importation of products in Indonesia and Malaysia. That is, if the product is declared as a Halal product; a Taiwan THIDA certification is required to be sold in Malaysia and must obtain the certification issued by the Indonesian government (MUI) if sold in Indonesia.
Due to the close-by geographical relations, the Muslim market can be described as Taiwan's future focus and development, and our industry should step up in efforts to make beneficial use of Taiwan's product advantages and characteristics to seize the attention of Muslim consumers!
