A major Hong Kong Islamic organisation aims to certify more than 500 halal restaurants by the end of 2025, up from the currently approved 142, amid a government push to lure more Muslim tourists to the city.
In his latest annual policy address, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu encouraged tourism-related businesses to look to the Middle East and Southeast Asia, such as better catering to Muslim visitors.
The city leader’s suggestions included compiling a list of restaurants that provided halal food and encouraging commercial establishments such as hotels to provide prayer rooms and other facilities.
Saeed Uddin, chairman of the Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong, told the Post: “After the speech of our chief executive, I think more restaurants and hotels will be interested in coming to us for halal certification.”
The organisation oversees the city’s halal certification process in place of any government body.
Uddin said the body had received a few requests for halal certification after the policy address was unveiled on Wednesday of last week.
