Greater efforts called to boost Iran’s global halal market standing
Head of the Alborz Province Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture called for intensified efforts to elevate Iran’s current standing in the global halal products market.
During a press conference at the inaugural National Halal Industry Conference held at the Tehran International Exhibition, Parham Rezaei highlighted Iran’s significant potential in the halal sector, adding, “Despite the country’s extensive infrastructure in food and pharmaceutical industries, our share of this global market remains below one-tenth of one percent,” as reported by ISNA.
Halal refers to products and practices permissible under the Islamic law, particularly regarding food and drink prepared in accordance with religious guidelines. “Iran’s position in the global halal products market must far exceed its current state,” he emphasized.
“Over the past 1.5 years, the development of the halal industry has been seriously pursued by the Alborz Chamber of Commerce, with numerous expert meetings held alongside the National Standards Organization, the Halal Research Center, and other relevant bodies. This initiative, supported by the Alborz Province House of Industry, Mining, and Trade, as well as the Iran Chamber of Commerce and the National House of Industry, Mining, and Trade, has now entered its implementation phase,” he said.
“The first specialized conference will take place on May 21, coinciding with World Standards Week, alongside the Agrifood Grand Exhibition.”
According to Rezaei, the event will serve “as a platform for synergy among economic stakeholders and a roadmap for Iran’s export opportunities in halal products.”
He underscored Alborz Province’s strategic advantages, including 4,000 industrial and production units, over 160 national food industry brands, and a 65% share of Iran’s pharmaceutical sector, positioning it as a prime candidate to lead halal exports.
The Alborz Chamber chief also reported, “Over 30,000 containers of vegetables and perishables were exported from the province last year, bolstered by its geographical proximity to the capital.”
Criticizing current global halal export leaders, Rezaei remarked, “It is regrettable that non-Muslim nations dominate halal exports, while we, despite our immense potential, remain marginalized. A key goal of this conference is not only to highlight the issue’s importance but to draft a clear, strategic roadmap for Iran’s strong entry into the global market.”
He expressed confidence that “with sustained efforts, hosting international halal product expos at the Expo level and establishing Iran as a regional leader in this industry are achievable goals. The Alborz Chamber stands ready to collaborate fully with the private sector and government.”
Meanwhile, Ebrahim Ebrahimi, the director-general of the legal and parliamentary affairs office at Iran’s National Standards Organization, addressed the halal industry’s global financial scale during the press conference, saying, “In 2022, the industry’s global turnover reached $6 trillion, with projections of $8 trillion by 2025. Yet Iran’s share remains minimal, at less than 1%.”
Stressing the need for harmonized standards, he added, “While halal standards are rooted in jurisprudential principles, they must be designed for acceptance across all nations, particularly Islamic countries.”
“The top five halal export leaders are non-Muslim nations, while the largest importers are Muslim-majority countries,” Ebrahimi further noted.
Also, Arman Khaleqi, the secretary-general of Iran’s Chamber of Industry, Mine and Trade, described halal certification as a “premium standard” that fosters public perception of halal goods and services as higher quality.
“By addressing sanctions-related challenges, we can aspire to thrive in halal exports. This is a vast market whose opportunities we continually overlook,” he concluded.