Over the past two years, plant-based food consumption has grown by 49% across the EU, reaching a total sales volume of €3.6 billion.
Cambodia: Collaborating on Halal Food Standards
2025-05-15
Cambodia will work with Thailand and Malaysia to establish halal standards to meet the needs of the growing number of domestic and foreign tourists visiting Cambodia, especially those from the Middle East.
Commerce Minister Mao Thora said at a halal standards seminar yesterday: "There is demand for halal food in Muslim and non-Muslim countries because it is clean, hygienic and of high standards. Many countries with Muslim populations encourage the production and certification of halal products. We will work with Thailand and Malaysia to bring halal standards to Cambodia soon. We, the Cambodia Halal Steering Committee, are working closely with Thailand and Malaysia to create Cambodian halal standards. We do not yet fully understand halal standards."
Osman Hassan, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Labor and Deputy Director of the Halal Steering Committee, said: "When Cambodia adopts these halal standards, the halal food industry will become a driving force for the economy. The standards will apply to preparation, processing, packaging, storage, display and sales, food safety, marketing, and labeling. Products eligible for certification will comply with halal regulations, local laws, and standards related to food safety and labeling. With the increasing number of tourists visiting Cambodia, especially from the Middle East, the country will focus on halal food in restaurants and hotels. The market size and value of halal products are huge and spread all over the world. For example, Thailand's halal product exports to the world are worth US$6 billion annually, while Malaysia's halal product exports to the global market are approximately US$11 billion annually. If Cambodia has halal standards, it will likely have greater benefits for the economy. Investment in halal products will not only come from Muslims. Non-Muslims can also invest in halal products when they understand the procedures."
The committee will also invite its Thai and Malaysian counterparts to help confirm the standards.
Businesses wanting to register must meet the requirements of the Halal Steering Committee, which inspects their operations and then grants them certification, Mr Thora said.
Darm Boontham, Chargé d'Affaires of the Thai Embassy, said Thailand will work with the committee to contribute to Cambodia's efforts to bring halal-compliant products to Cambodian Muslim consumers. "The Cambodian government is keen on standardizing halal products to make them available to Cambodia's more than 700,000 Muslims," Mr. Boontham said.
Halal foods adhere to halal laws, which prohibit pork and require animals to be slaughtered in a specific way.