Iran targeting leadership in global halal industry: Official
Vice chairman of Iran’s Chamber of Commerce stated that Iran, positioned at the heart of Islamic nations, is poised to become a key player in the global halal industry.
Payam Baqeri, speaking at a conference on World Halal Standards Day aimed at advancing halal industry trade in global markets, stated on Wednesday, “Neighboring countries possess a $1 trillion halal market, yet Iran has no substantial share in the halal industry or international trade,” as reported by IRNA.
Baqeri highlighted the need to “maximize the use of Iran’s economic diplomacy capabilities,” adding, “We must set clear targets for the halal industry’s growth to achieve an 8% economic expansion. Despite significant private-sector potential, Iran has a major opportunity in this global market.”
He emphasized that the “regulations, standards, and licensing processes in this sector are fragmented and inconsistent,” stating, “The complex bureaucracy and lack of an official, centralized body for issuing halal certifications are major technical and professional obstacles to developing this industry.”
Baqeri noted that the halal industry, with an $8 trillion turnover in the near future, will encompass protein-based products, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, healthcare items, tourism, and financial services.
He identified Malaysia and Indonesia as leading countries in this field, stating, “Other nations have economically entered this market.”
Stressing that the halal products market is “highly competitive,” he said, “Non-Islamic countries have now entered the halal industry. The trade balance of 57 member countries of the Islamic Cooperation Organization in 2023 was a negative $47 billion, and we too have no share in this market.”
Baqeri asserted, “The halal tourism market is projected to exceed $225 billion by 2028.”
The vice chairman added, “The lack of coordination and unified policymaking is a critical challenge. Exporters and businesses interested in entering the halal market often do not know which institution to approach or where the central command for this sector lies.”
18 national halal standards
At the conference, also, the head of Iran’s National Standard Organization stated that Iran has 18 national halal standards, adding, “To date, 26,000 halal certifications have been issued to producers.”
Farzaneh Ansari, addressing the intense competition in the global halal market, said, “The top 10 countries active in halal trade are predominantly non-Islamic. Despite Iran’s vast potential, its share in this global trade remains negligible.”
She called for greater focus on halal standardization in Iran and emphasized that “halal activities are not limited to food products,” clarifying, “These activities span a wide range of sectors, including tourism, insurance, clothing, food, protein-based products, and other services. The Islamic Republic of Iran’s standards are actively focused on these areas.”