CREDIT: PIA Cagayan de Oro City
Cagayan de Oro City, an emblem of progressive commerce and cultural diversity in Northern Mindanao, is once again at the forefront of regional business innovation with the return of its premier trade event, the Cagayan de Oro Business Enterprises, Services, and Trade Exposition, or ORO BEST Expo. Scheduled from October 15-17, 2024, this year's exposition is poised to break new ground with its vibrant theme, "Oro Best Expo Goes Halal." Through this focused lens, the event promises to unravel the extensive business vistas within the Halal industry, not just within the city’s dynamic market but as a pivotal element in Mindanao’s economic expansion.
The Oro Chamber’s proactive engagement with the embassies of Malaysia and Indonesia, alongside the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), underscores a robust tripartite commitment to nurturing Halal as a formidable sector ripe for entrepreneurial ventures. This collaborative initiative, as highlighted by Oro Chamber President, Dr. Jesus Jardin, seeks to catalyze Mindanao into a regional and global epicenter for Halal trade, showcasing the region’s potential to a worldwide audience.
The deliberate pivot towards the Halal industry signifies a transcendental vision for Northern Mindanao’s trade sphere. This endeavor, aiming to position the region as a linchpin in Halal commerce, extends a hand toward tapping into international markets. This strategic direction harmonizes with DTI’s concerted efforts to elevate the Philippine Halal Industry, fostering partnerships and assimilating global best practices, particularly with Halal-centric nations such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei Darussalam.
The ORO BEST Expo 2024 stands as a monumental platform where entrepreneurs, innovators, and investors converge to explore the myriad avenues within the Halal sector. This year, the spotlight on Halal not only highlights the economic potential but also emphasizes the cultural and ethical dimensions of Halal trade, promoting a holistic approach to business development.
The focus on Halal at the ORO BEST Expo illuminates the path to inclusive economic growth, recognizing the importance of accommodating diverse cultural and religious practices in business. This inclusivity, pivotal for the peace and development in Mindanao, reinforces the region’s capacity to foster a business environment that values diversity and social harmony.
Understanding the critical role of Halal certification in building trust and credibility, the Oro Chamber, in tandem with DTI, is laying the groundwork for streamlined certification processes. These measures aim to simplify the Halal certification journey for local enterprises, ensuring their competitiveness in both domestic and international Halal markets.
With an eye on the future, this year's expo will also delve into the role of technology and innovation in accelerating Halal industry growth. The exploration of tech-driven solutions for Halal certification, product tracking, and market access is expected to be a highlight, showcasing the intersection of tradition and modernity in Halal commerce.
The ambition extends beyond the expo, with aspirations to evolve Northern Mindanao into a Halal Economic Zone. This strategic vision envisages a dedicated hub for Halal production, research, and trade, encapsulating the region’s aspiration to be at the vanguard of global Halal industry development.
The ORO BEST Expo 2024 is set to serve as a critical juncture in the global Halal ecosystem. By fostering connections between local businesses and international Halal markets, the expo is not just an event but a beacon for future-oriented trade relations that span across continents, culture, and communities.
As the ORO BEST Expo hones its focus on the Halal industry, it orchestrates a symphony of commerce, culture, and cooperation. Standing as a testament to the enduring spirit of innovation and inclusiveness in Cagayan de Oro and Mindanao at large, the event beckons a future where Halal is not merely a niche but a normative dimension of global trade dynamics. Through this vibrant exposition, the city reinforces its role as a catalyst for economic transformation and a bridge-builder in the burgeoning Halal global marketplace.
