Uniform Standards Needed to Drive Halal Trade Growth

The global halal industry, which is gathering in Sharjah for a key exhibition and conference, is continuing its fight for uniform standards since lack of such guidelines are hampering the industry’s projected growth.

Currently the halal industry, which spans from food to medicine and tourism to cosmetics, is valued at $3trillion, less than half its potential value, according to a recently released international study.

Focusing on a myriad of issues ranging from standardisation to cooperation and opportunities to challenges, the second OIC Halal Middle East Exhibition and Congress got under way at Expo Centre Sharjah on Monday.  

Held under the patronage of Shaikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the second OIC Halal Middle East consists of a trade fair and a congress, is being held along with the inaugural edition of Kitchen Equipment and Technology Exhibition Middle East.

Endorsing the need for common standards for certification and accreditation, Expo Centre Sharjah CEO Saif Mohammed Al Midfa said the halal industry has tremendous potential to grow.

“The factors working for the industry’s growth are plenty, right from a growing Muslim population, its spending power, increasing preference for halal products, and a region that is predominantly Muslim, among others. But if we have uniform standards, they will help further enhance movement of goods, resulting in faster growth of the industry,” he said.

Source: Khaleej Times