DAVAO CITY – Foreign investors joining the Philippine Halal Trade and Tourism Expo 2019 next month are expected to assess the potential of the Davao market on Halal food chain business.

Marilou Ampuan, a trustee of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) and organizer of the Halal Expo, said 10 foreign investors are initially interested in putting up their businesses here and are eyeing local partners.

Ampuan, in an interview on Wednesday, said five of them are interested in putting up convenient stores selling halal food and the other five are on halal supplies.

DCCCII executive vice president John Tria said three Middle Eastern investors in the international food chain business are also currently studying the Davao market for a restaurant business.

Tria noted that if the investment materializes, it will spur the growth of the local halal sector--especially the hospitality industry.

Meanwhile, Ampuan said around 50 foreign and local exhibitors are joining the Halal Expo, including potential investors from Malaysia and Indonesia.

She said one of the highlights of the event is the Halal laboratory of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), which will promote related science and technology services. (PNA)