The Thai Export-Import Bank (EXIM BANK) has launched an ambitious initiative aimed at boosting the export capabilities of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Halal products sector. This initiative, named the Halal Export Champion 2025 project, was officially introduced on May 8, 2025, at EXIM BANK’s headquarters in Bangkok. The project is a collaborative effort involving 15 organizations from both the public and private sectors, including the Islamic Bank of Thailand, the Foundation for Industrial Development, and the Central Islamic Council of Thailand.
Dr. Duangrat Chuawongse, Assistant Managing Director of EXIM BANK, emphasized the importance of this initiative in helping Thai entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of the global Halal market. “Our goal is to enhance the capabilities of SMEs to meet international Halal standards, which is crucial for building consumer confidence among Muslim buyers,” she stated.
The project focuses on several key areas, including improving knowledge and understanding of Halal certification requirements, adjusting production processes to align with Islamic principles, and expanding market access for Halal products to potential new markets such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia.
Moreover, the initiative also aims to facilitate business matchmaking between Thai Halal product manufacturers and international importers and distributors. This is expected to create new sales opportunities and foster global partnerships, thereby enhancing Thailand's position in the Halal export market.
In addition to the Halal Export Champion 2025 project, there are ongoing efforts to ensure safety in the use of gas canisters, particularly in the restaurant industry. Mr. Wanchai Phanomchai, Secretary-General of the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI), announced plans to expedite the regulation of gas canisters as controlled products. This decision comes in response to a series of accidents involving exploding gas canisters in restaurants.
“Gas canisters are designed for single use and should not be reused, especially not for refilling with LPG, which poses significant risks,” Mr. Phanomchai warned. He noted that despite existing safety standards, consumer adherence to proper usage guidelines remains critical. The new regulations are expected to be published in June 2025 and will include stringent safety measures, such as pressure testing and the incorporation of explosion-proof features.
The community standards draft 4449-2568 aims to enhance public safety by ensuring that gas canisters meet specific safety requirements. These include warnings on labels about safe storage practices and the importance of following manufacturer instructions during installation.
As the Halal Export Champion 2025 project progresses, the Thai government is optimistic that these initiatives will significantly contribute to the growth of the Halal export sector, which has the potential to provide substantial economic benefits to the country. With the combined efforts of various stakeholders, Thailand is poised to strengthen its foothold in the global Halal market while ensuring consumer safety in related industries.
