Vietnamese Agricultural Product Market: Multi-Channel, Multi-Directional: [Article 8] A National Strategy is Needed

 A reporter from Nong nghiep va Moi truong Newspaper recently spoke with Mr. Vu Manh Hung, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Hung Nhon Group, to discuss the potential, challenges, and solutions for Vietnamese businesses looking to conquer the promising Halal market.

Elevating the Quality of Vietnamese Agricultural Products in the International Arena

Reporter: "Mr. Hung, in the context where many traditional export markets are facing difficulties, how do you assess the Halal market for Vietnam's agriculture in general and livestock in particular?"

Mr. Vu Manh Hung: "Traditional markets like China, the EU, and the US are experiencing many policy changes, technical standards, and intense competition. Therefore, market diversification is imperative if we want to ensure stable output for agricultural products. For the Halal market, which serves over 2 billion Muslim consumers globally, the potential is enormous.

However, to effectively leverage this potential, Vietnam's livestock industry needs standardization according to Halal requirements, from breeding stock and farming processes to slaughtering, processing, and traceability. This presents a challenge, but also an opportunity for the livestock industry to restructure towards a more sustainable and modern direction."

Hung Nhon's Strategy for Conquering the Halal Market

Reporter: "To participate more deeply in the Halal market, what strategies has Hung Nhon Group implemented to meet these standards?"

Mr. Vu Manh Hung: "From the moment we identified the Halal market as a key development direction, Hung Nhon Group implemented a series of systematic strategies to meet its stringent requirements.

First, concerning breeding stock, we collaborate with major domestic and international partners to ensure high-quality breeding sources with clear traceability.

For animal feed and input materials, the Group maintains strict control over raw material selection, ensuring no prohibited ingredients according to Halal standards are used. We are also gradually introducing Halal-certified product lines from the very beginning of the supply chain.

Notably, in the livestock farming process, Hung Nhon applies a closed-loop model with high technology and strict biosecurity standards, from water and air treatment systems to disease management. This aims to ensure a clean, stable, and safe farming environment.

In parallel, we are coordinating with international Halal certification bodies to gradually complete our documentation, processes, and management systems in strict compliance with the standards. All these efforts are geared towards not only meeting the Halal market requirements but also elevating the quality of Vietnamese agricultural products on the international stage."

Building Disease-Free Zones: A Foundation for Export Expansion

Reporter: "Building and maintaining disease-free farming zones is a mandatory requirement to meet Halal standards. Can you share Hung Nhon's experience in this matter?"

Mr. Vu Manh Hung: "For Hung Nhon Group, establishing disease-free farming zones is not just a requirement to meet the Halal market, but also a vital factor in our sustainable development strategy. We have invested in planning farming areas that are separated from residential zones, with biosecurity corridors and stringent control over all entry and exit activities at the farms."

Hung Nhon's farms implement a closed-loop livestock system with modern technology, including automatic disinfection, recirculating air and water treatment, and temperature and humidity control via sensors. Staff receive thorough training and strictly adhere to disease prevention protocols, from personal hygiene to regular health checks.

"Additionally, we collaborate closely with veterinary authorities, international organizations, and epidemiological experts for monitoring and periodic testing. We also proactively vaccinate and develop rapid response plans in case of any disease outbreaks," Mr. Hung stated.

"Thanks to this rigorous and integrated process, many of Hung Nhon's farming areas have achieved disease-free zone status, laying a solid foundation for obtaining Halal certification and expanding exports to demanding markets."

Potential and Challenges for Vietnamese Businesses in the Global Halal Supply Chain

Reporter: "How do you assess the potential and challenges for Vietnamese enterprises in participating deeply in the global Halal supply chain?"

Mr. Vu Manh Hung: "First, Halal standards are very stringent and extend beyond just the final product to encompass the entire production chain. This includes breeding stock, feed, processing procedures, packaging, transportation, and even business ethics. The lack of a domestic Halal certification system, as well as the current capacity to produce according to international standards, remains a barrier for many Vietnamese enterprises.

Furthermore, to participate deeply in the Halal chain, businesses need a long-term strategy: methodical investment, building a reputable brand, ensuring transparent origins, and being ready to partner with international counterparts. This is a significant undertaking that requires not only the involvement of businesses but also the support of state policies—especially in human resource training, trade promotion, and building a Halal ecosystem in Vietnam."

Businesses Need to Proactively Go Global

Reporter: "What solutions will Hung Nhon Group implement to boost promotion and connectivity with partners in this market?"

Mr. Vu Manh Hung: "We are determined that to seriously engage in the Halal market, in addition to having compliant products, businesses need to proactively go global, connect with, and build trust among partners. Therefore, Hung Nhon Group has been and will continue to systematically and strategically boost its trade promotion activities.

'Building a digital brand and multilingual online communication should be enhanced by businesses to expand access to global consumers and importers,' Mr. Vu Manh Hung shared.

First, we actively participate in specialized Halal trade fairs and exhibitions in key markets such as Malaysia, Indonesia, the UAE, and Europe. This provides an opportunity to showcase products, understand real-time demand from partners, and keep abreast of global Halal consumption trends.

Notably, Hung Nhon has also proactively joined the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham). EuroCham acts as a bridge, helping businesses connect with reputable Halal certification bodies and potential trade partners in Europe and the Middle East. It also provides in-depth legal and trade consultancy, significantly reducing the time and cost of market access."

Reporter: "Based on this reality, do you have any recommendations for state management agencies to better support businesses in developing the Halal market?"

First, we need to build a national strategy for Halal market development, clearly defining the roles, objectives, and roadmap for each ministry, locality, and the business community. This will serve as a guiding principle, ensuring Vietnam isn't passive in the global Halal arena.

Second, it's crucial to establish a reputable Halal certification system within the country, carried out by internationally recognized organizations. This would help reduce costs, shorten lead times, and increase autonomy for businesses.

Additionally, specialized trade promotion activities for the Halal market need to be organized more regularly and systematically. This includes not just trade fairs and exhibitions, but also business matching programs, human resource training, and investment and legal consultancy.

Thank you!

Nguồn: Báo Nông Nghiệp Môi Trường