Manila, Sept. 19 -- Malaysia is prepared to fully back the Philippines in developing its halal industry and securing a place in the multibillion-dollar global market, its envoy to Manila said Friday.

"The development the Philippine Halal Development Strategic Plan, which is now being implemented, has shown remarkable progress," Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Dato' Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino said during the Foreign Service Institute Ambassadors' Lecture Series in Pasay City.

"Malaysia, of course, is fully supportive and will continue to support the Philippines to establish itself as a premium Halal gateway and destination in the region," he added.

Castelino emphasized the vast opportunities awaiting the region, citing project...