Over the next month Pakistan is to ship 900 tonnes of halal meat to Uzbekistan (Shutterstock).

Halal Industry

Newswrap: Halal industry


A summary of the latest halal industry news from around the world.

Pakistan exports first shipment of halal meat to Uzbekistan

Pakistan has shipped 18 metric tonnes of halal meat to Tashkent, reported Pakistan Today. A first for the Islamic Republic, the exports follow a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) and Transit Trade Agreement signed with Uzbekistan. “The Ministry of Commerce’s Silk Route Reconnect policy for Central Asia Republics (CARs) and beyond is now bearing fruit. For the last year and a half, we have been extensively engaged with CARs,” tweeted Abdul Razak Dawood, an adviser to the prime minister on commerce and investment. Malik Sher Khan, CEO of the Shaheen Group, is quoted as saying that Pakistan’s admission to the International Transport of Goods (TIR) Convention will bolster exports to Central Asia. “In one month, 900 tonnes of meat will be shipped to Tashkent via Torkham in 50 consignments of 18 tonnes each,” he said. He added that talks were underway with Uzbekistan to export meat to Tajikistan. “An increase in bilateral trade with Central Asian states will facilitate freight services and push down fares,” he said.

Filipino institution develops halal cosmetics range

The government-run Department of Science and Technology (DoST) has developed a a range of halal-certified skincare and beauty products at the Industrial Technology Development Institute, reported Coconuts Manila. Just 5% of the Filipino population is Muslim, with few domestically produced halal certified cosmetics available in the Catholic majority country.

Products include lipstick and lip balm, soap, shampoo and toothpaste. “Normally, when we hear the word ‘halal’, we automatically correlate its importance to food like in food services or food industries. But, I think it is also equally important to consider that the raw materials used in producing cosmetics and personal care are those that tend to be ingested, inhaled and absorbed by the skin. Thus, halal compliance should be given enough attention as well for cosmetics and personal care products,” Ma. Rachel Parcon, supervising science research specialist of DoST-ITDI, is quoted as saying.

UAE supermarket chain Spinneys to expand into Saudi Arabia

Dubai-based supermarket chain Spinneys is expanding into Saudi Arabia in partnership with Riyadh-based Abdulmohsen Al Hokair Holding Group, reported Bank Audi. The first supermarket is to open in the first quarter of 2023, with further expansion targets to other cities in the coming years. The Spinneys Farmers’ Club initiative is also to be brought to the kingdom, which connect local farmers with the chain as part of a goal to support national food security strategies.

Middle East’s first virtual hospital launched in Saudi Arabia

The Seha Virtual Hospital is a specialised facility using innovative technologies to support 130 hospitals in Saudi Arabia. More than 30 specialised services will be offered through different medical specialties and subspecialties, according to a Bank Audi briefing. Virtual services include electroencephalogram patients (EEG), virtual clinics, stroke patients, critical care patients (ICUs), as well as radiology.

UK halal burger chain Mak Halal to have open 10 stores in 2022

British halal burger chain Mak Halal is opening new stores across the country, according to Asian Image. Launched in 2016, the burger joint started in Birmingham, which has a large Muslim population, soon expanding to four outlets. Last year, the chain opened in nearby cities Bradford and Walsall. This month, Mak Halal opened in Nottingham, and is to open in Cardiff, Wales, at the end of the month. "The fact that we’ve been able to go from a local Birmingham restaurant to getting set to expand into Wales tells us there is a demand for the authentic taste of Halal in the UK,” a spokesperson is quoted as saying.

 


tags:

halal food, halal beverages, dinar, sparkingling wine, halal
Healthcare
Supermarkets