Halal industry roundup: Philippines to send halal trade mission to Saudi Arabia
Here's a roundup of key developments across the halal industry ecosystem during the month of October.
Editor's note: Philippines aims to strengthen ties with the largest Arab economy, and is sending a halal trade mission to achieve the same. Malaysia is inking a deal with Pakistan to import halal food, while India is setting new guidelines for halal meat exports.
Company News
Malaysia
Gigi Coffee gets halal-certified by JAKIM
Gigi Coffee, a Malaysian coffee chain, has received halal certification from JAKIM after passing a thorough examination of its food handling, preparation, and sourcing processes.
The certification process includes not only food-related requirements but also broader criteria, such as having a strategic layout plan and employing a minimum number of Malaysian Muslim staff.
This approval ensures that Gigi Coffee adheres to strict halal guidelines. (Vulcano Post)
Trade Developments
Philippines / Saudi Arabia
Philippines to send halal trade mission to Saudi Arabia
The Philippines is set to send a halal trade mission to Saudi Arabia from October 27 to November 5, aiming to strengthen trade ties with the kingdom.
Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry, the mission will visit Riyadh and Jeddah to promote the country’s growing halal industry.
Philippine officials are working to expand the domestic halal sector while enhancing economic relations with Saudi Arabia, according to Rommel Romato, charge d'affaires of the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh. (Arab News)
Malaysia / Pakistan
Malaysia inks deal with Pakistan to import halal meat, Basmati rice
During a bilateral meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced Malaysia’s agreement in principle to import 100,000 metric tonnes of halal meat and Basmati rice from Pakistan.
Anwar, on a three-day state visit to Islamabad, described the trip as personally significant. He expressed confidence that Pakistan's halal meat exporters could meet Malaysia's strict halal regulations, ensuring the quality of their products. (The Star)
Azerbaijan
SESRIC ready to implement joint projects with Azerbaijan in halal sector
Azerbaijan's growing halal industry is enhancing its integration into global markets and boosting trade with Islamic countries, according to Zehra Zumrut Selcuk, head of SESRIC.
Speaking at the Azerbaijan Halal Business and Tourism Forum, she emphasized Azerbaijan's strategic position and economic growth, making it a key player in the Islamic world.
The halal sector holds significant potential for the country's economy and trade, with forums like AZHAB fostering collaboration on both business and governmental levels. (Azerbaycan24)
Regulatory
India
India sets new guidelines for halal meat exports
India's directorate general of foreign trade has announced new guidelines for halal meat exports, which must now meet the 'India Conformity Assessment Scheme (I-CAS) Halal' certification, supervised by the Quality Council of India.
The regulations specifically target exports to 15 Muslim-majority countries, including Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. These nations are crucial markets for halal products due to their large Muslim populations and strong demand for halal-certified meat.
(The Economic Times)
UPCOMING EVENTS :
- Azerbaijan Halal Business Forum – Azerbaijan – Oct 8-9, 2024
- Saudi International Halal Expo & Summit 2024 - Saudi Arabia - Oct 28-30, 2024
- The 11th Indonesia Sharia Economic Festival (ISEF) 2024 – Indonesia – Oct 30 – Nov 3, 2024
- Qatar Halal Forum 2024 – Qatar – Nov 12-14, 2024
- World Halal Summit Istanbul – Istanbul – Nov 27-30, 2024
- The 5th US-International U.S. Halal Expo & Summit – United States – Dec 13-14, 2024
- Albania Halal Expo 2025 – Albania – Feb 21-23, 2025
- Halal Expo Canada 2025 – Canada – May 27-28, 2025
