Vietnam’s south-central province of Khanh Hoa is developing a halal economy spanning tourism, agriculture, food production and cultural heritage as it seeks to tap growing demand from Muslim markets in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
The province is implementing a plan to build a unified halal ecosystem centred on businesses, while positioning Khanh Hoa as a halal-friendly destination for international visitors and investors.
The strategy is also aimed at expanding exports and attracting investment in tourism, logistics, manufacturing, food processing and agriculture.
Tourism positioned as key halal growth area
With more than 500 kilometres of coastline, nearly 200 islands and major destinations including Nha Trang and Cam Ranh, Khanh Hoa is targeting high-value Muslim travellers.
Its tourism offerings include luxury resorts, beach holidays, wellness programmes, golf, cruises, ecotourism and Cham cultural experiences.
The UAE ambassador to Vietnam identified Khanh Hoa as a promising destination for high-value visitors from the UAE, citing its luxury resorts, privacy-focused accommodation and cultural links.
The province plans to increase the number of halal-compliant hotels and restaurants, prayer facilities, staff training programmes and specialised tourism packages.
It also intends to strengthen promotion in Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore and Middle Eastern markets.
Halal agriculture and food production expand
Agriculture is another pillar of Khanh Hoa’s halal strategy.
The province has approved a VND200 billion (US$7.6 million) project to develop halal-certified goat and sheep production through 2030.
The plan targets at least 14 farming zones covering about 1,735 hectares, with 200,000 goats and 300,000 sheep.
It also calls for at least two halal-standard slaughterhouses and modern processing facilities, with the province aiming to supply markets in Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
Local businesses have already begun entering the halal market.
Tri Tín Co Ltd has obtained halal certification for five sea grape and snack products, supporting exports to Islamic markets, including Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
The company said halal certification has strengthened consumer trust and provided a competitive advantage in international markets.
Businesses develop Muslim-friendly offerings
Halal tourism operators are also emerging in the province.
Green Life Agricultural Tourism Cooperative has developed Muslim-friendly farm stays, private tours and halal food services aimed at visitors from Malaysia, Indonesia and the Middle East, while working to renew its halal certification.
Khanh Hoa’s broader strategy includes strengthening cooperation with halal certification bodies, airlines, diplomatic missions and international travel companies.
The province also plans to develop more certified local products and services.
Khanh Hoa sees halal certification not only as a religious requirement but also as a tool to build consumer trust, expand exports and strengthen its competitiveness in the global halal economy.
