Vietnamese firms face Halal, logistics hurdles in UAE push

Vietnamese businesses seeking to enter the UAE and wider Middle East need stronger preparation in Halal compliance, market research and partner networks as logistics and information gaps weigh on exports, experts said.

The concerns were raised at an October 23 workshop in Ho Chi Minh City on the Vietnam-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), organized by the Investment and Trade Promotion Center (ITPC), and the Ministry of Industry and Trade's Import-Export Department.

Two-way trade reached about US$3.16 billion in the first half of 2026, up 0.2% year-on-year, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade. Vietnam's exports, however, fell 16.4% to around US$2.4 billion, underscoring the challenge of maintaining and expanding market share.

Pham Binh An, former deputy director of the Ho Chi Minh City Institute for Development Research, said tariff preferences come with technical, quarantine and food-safety requirements. Exporters must identify the rules for each product group, prepare test results and technical documents, as well as ensurance of traceability, he added.

For Halal goods, compliance covers raw materials, production, warehousing and transport. Ingredients such as gelatin, collagen, enzymes, additives and flavorings must be checked for origin, while equipment, factory hygiene, storage and safeguards against cross-contamination also determine conformity.

Companies also need to distinguish between products that meet Halal requirements, those that have been certified and those whose certificates are recognized by the destination market. One certificate does not cover every country, so standards and accreditation must be reviewed whenever exporters expand beyond the UAE.

Nguyen Quang Huy, vice-president of the Vietnam National Start-up Association (ViNen), said CEPA, effective since February 2026, creates room to increase Vietnam-UAE trade. But bilateral turnover remains below potential as Vietnamese firms contend with regional volatility, higher logistics costs and limited market information.

Halal standards are a major entry barrier, requiring exporters to improve product quality and secure recognized certification, Mr. Huy said. At the same time, the large Muslim consumer market offers considerable potential for Vietnamese goods.

To capture that demand, companies should deepen market research, identify partners early and tailor export strategies. ViNen and the Viet Que network in the UAE are connecting agencies, organizations and trading companies - particularly in Dubai - to promote Vietnamese products and help business expand across the Middle East. 

Tran Ngoc Binh, heaad of the Import-Export Management Division for Region III under the Import-Export Department, warned that transport constraints and geopolitical risks could affect delivery times, freight costs and storage. These factors are especially important in contracts for fresh produce, seafood and food products.

Besides monitoring shipping schedules, exporters should verify partners' legal status and capacity, then clearly set payment, quality, delivery and insurance terms. Contracts should assign responsibility for unexpected problems so tax savings are not eroded by added costs or disputes.

Speakers also called for sector-based business links and more consistent products, documentation and raw-material sourcing. Overseas Vietnamese networks, trade associations and local contacts can provide market intelligence, introduce buyers and connect partners, while online and in-person promotion by the Ministry and Vietnam Trade Office in the UAE can generate more business leads.

Tran Xuan Trang, head of ITPC Foreign Trade Development and Domestic Market Promotion Department, said support would focus on four groups: farm produce and processed food, textiles, footwear, consumer goods and furniture. Planned activities include training in Halal compliance, supply-chain management, trade agreements and market research.

ITPC also plans trade-matching programs and support for companies attending specialized fairs in Dubai and Cairo (Egypt). Businesses meeting importers should bring product profiles, samples and supply plans to lay the groundworks of negotiations after the events.

Proposal for financial support in the furtherance of promotion, training and partner matching should be detailed as Resolution 59/NQ-TW, issued by the Politburo on January 24, 2025, is implemented. Programs should clearly identify target businesses, eligibility conditions and support available.

For exporters, the immediate priority is to refine products, meet Halal standards and strengthen quality control. Stable supply and reliable partners will be essential to turn initial contracts into long-term orders.

Business & Integration - Vietnamese version: Hàng Việt vào thị trường Halal cần sự chuẩn bị và hỗ trợ nào? - Reported by Bich Lien & Thai Hung