Opportunities in ASEAN
The Murcia Region Development Institute (Info) is holding an online seminar on June 16th to guide companies in their expansion into Southeast Asia. The event, in collaboration with the Spain-ASEAN Association, will address business opportunities and the key requirement of Halal certification, which will be mandatory in markets such as Indonesia starting in October 2026.
El Instituto de Fomento (Info) from the Región de Murcia is organizing a webinar on June 16th to explore business opportunities in the Sudeste Asiáticoa market that demanded products from Murcia worth 22,68 million euros in 2025. The objective is to prepare the business sector for the growing consumption and demand for high-quality products in the region of the ASEAN.
The initiative, promoted by the Consejería de Empresa, Empleo y Economía SocialIt aims to equip companies in the region with the tools and knowledge to tackle a complex but high-potential market. As explained Joaquín Gómez, Director of Instituto de FomentoAnticipation is a key competitive factor. "Internationalization also involves looking ahead, preparing better, and arriving with more information than others," he stated.
The organization emphasizes that, although geographically distant, these markets are increasingly interconnected with the region's productive sectors. Sudeste Asiático It may seem distant to many companies, but it is becoming increasingly relevant to our production sectors because it demands food, chemicals, packaging, cosmetics, and industrial solutions. We want companies in Murcia to become familiar with these markets, understand their rules, and be able to make informed decisions about where real opportunities lie,” he stated. Gómez.
The challenge of Halal certification and strategic alliances
One of the central focuses of the seminar will be the analysis of entry requirements, with special attention to the Halal certificationThis event will feature the participation of Asociación Empresarial España-ASEAN, an entity specializing in promoting trade relations between España and the countries in the area.
Halal certification is especially relevant for strategic sectors in Murcia such as food and beverages, chemicals, additives, cosmetics, and the pharmaceutical industry. The urgency of this regulatory adaptation is paramount, as key countries such as IndonesiaSome products will be required to have this certification starting from October 2026To address this challenge, the seminar will feature a presentation by Instituto Halal, which will explain the steps to anticipate this requirement.
Analysis of exports from Murcia to Southeast Asia
Interest in these markets is supported by solid figures. Exports from the Región de Murcia al Sudeste Asiático they reached the 22,68 million euros in 2025This positive trend continued into the first quarter of 2026, a period in which sales reached €2,44 million. The main products exported, both for the full year and at the start of the year, demonstrate a clear alignment between regional supply and Asian demand.
Notable chemical products, food ingredients and additives, and containers and packagingThese sectors are complemented by fresh and frozen fruits, as well as preserved fruits and vegetables, demonstrating the strength of the Murcian agri-food industry in high value-added markets. "Sometimes, an international sale begins long before the first business contact," he concluded. Joaquín Gómez, highlighting the role of Gobierno regional in supporting companies. "Internationalization begins when a company knows what a country demands, what its consumer values, and what conditions its product must meet to enter with confidence. That anticipation is competitiveness."
| Period | Export value | Main Exported Products |
|---|---|---|
| Year 2025 | 22,68 millones de euros | Chemicals, food additives, packaging, fruits and preserves. |
| First Quarter 2026 | 2,44 millones de euros | Same trend as in 2025. |
Key points and frequently asked questions about exporting to Southeast Asia from Murcia
How important is Halal certification for exporting to this area?
It is fundamental and increasingly a non-optional requirement. Muslim-majority countries such as IndonesiaWith a huge consumer market, they will require this certification as mandatory for certain products from October 2026. Obtaining it is not only a regulatory necessity, but also a gateway to millions of consumers and a guarantee of quality and traceability.
Which sectors in Murcia have the greatest potential in Southeast Asia?
According to export data, the sectors with the clearest connection to the region's demand ASEAN These include chemicals, ingredients and additives for the food industry, packaging, fresh and frozen fruits, and canned fruits and vegetables. Opportunities also exist in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.
How can a small business from Murcia start exploring these markets?
The main recommendation is training and institutional support. Initiatives such as the seminar organized by the Instituto de Fomento (Info) They are an essential first step in understanding the rules of the game, the entry requirements, and the real opportunities. Contacting organizations such as the Info and Asociación Empresarial España-ASEAN It provides guidance and tools to compete successfully.
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