N.C.C. and Chulalongkorn Team Up to Link Thai Halal Sector to $3.56trn Global Market

N.C.C. Management & Development Co., Ltd. has teamed up with the Halal Science Center, Chulalongkorn University, to announce the linking of the Bangkok Halal Expo 2026 trade fair with the Thailand Halal Assembly 2026, aiming to push Thai halal goods and services into the global market. Bangkok Halal Expo 2026 is scheduled to take place from 2 to 4 December 2026 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, Bangkok. The collaboration aims to give Thai entrepreneurs greater access to markets with differing requirements and standards from country to country.

A $3.56 trillion global halal market: opportunity for Thai entrepreneurs

The global halal economy continues to trend upward, with Muslim consumer spending across six industry groups — halal food, fashion, travel, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and media and recreation — expected to reach a combined value of around US$3.56 trillion by 2029. Dr. Pornpimol Mahamad, Director of the Halal Science Center, Chulalongkorn University, said Thailand holds strengths across the entire value chain, from upstream to downstream, spanning agriculture, food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, health products, fashion and textiles, as well as services and tourism, along with scientific expertise and inspection systems that help build credibility for halal products.

Dr. Pornpimol added that the key is connecting the various components into a working system — starting with scientific research as the foundation for analysis and testing, building on it to develop innovative raw materials and new production processes, and then integrating this with industry and, ultimately, the market, in order to deliver products that meet consumer needs and compete both domestically and internationally.

Combining research with a trade platform, targeting over 10,000 attendees

The 13th Thailand Halal Assembly (THA) 2026 will include the 19th Halal Science, Industry and Business (HASIB) Conference, a platform for exchanging knowledge on halal science, technology, innovation and industry under the theme "Halal ResiliScience", which aims to build strength and adaptability in the halal system driven by science and innovation. Dr. Pornpimol explained that the Thailand Halal Assembly focuses on science, research and innovation, while Bangkok Halal Expo is a space for entrepreneurs, products, trade and investment. Bringing the two together will allow entrepreneurs to see research that can be put into practical use, and open up opportunities for business matching with international partners.

Mr. Surapol Uthintu, Chief Executive Officer of the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre and Managing Director of N.C.C. Management & Development Co., Ltd., organiser of Bangkok Halal Expo 2026, said the event serves as a business platform connecting Thai entrepreneurs, products, services and production capacity with buyers, importers, distributors, retailers, investors and business partners both in Thailand and abroad. In 2026, the event is targeting more than 10,000 attendees, around 150 to 200 exhibition booths, and at least 1,000 business-matching pairs, while connecting buyer and partner networks from more than 30 countries, particularly OIC member countries, ASEAN and BIMSTEC. The event has secured cooperation from the Thai Muslim Trade Association, along with support from the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion, the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Institute, the National Food Institute, and the Halal Entrepreneur Development Institute for the Middle East Market. It is regarded as one of Thailand's MICE events aimed at creating international trade and investment opportunities.

This news is of interest to trade fair organisers and MICE operators seeking to expand their halal business networks, as well as hoteliers, restaurateurs and tourism businesses looking to reach Muslim travellers both domestically and internationally. It is also useful information for investors and business partners tracking the direction of Thailand's halal industry in the coming year.