Turkey Aspires to Become a Major Player in the Halal Industry

Istanbul (AA) - Halal products are products produced according to Muslim standards. A key official of a local business association said: If the country adjusts its food legislation, Turkey can become one of the major players in the global Halal product market.

Representatives from 44 countries attended the two-day conference

Conference highlights:

'We believe that when the legislative issue—also an issue for the Halal food industry—is resolved, our country will become one of the major players in the global Halal market,' Hasan Ali Cesur, President of the Anatolian Businessmen Association (ASKON), said at the 9th Halal and Tayyib Products Congress held in Istanbul. 'Turkey's Halal food market currently has an annual output value of US$6 billion, and within ten years could rise to US$15 billion to US$20 billion, with Turkey catching up to Indonesia and Saudi Arabia—the leaders of the global Halal food market.'

'Halal production should be regarded as a responsibility, not a business issue. Because eating clean food is our responsibility to Allah,' Ali Saleh al-Omair, former Kuwaiti oil minister, proposed at the conference. He said Muslims lack consensus on Halal food production, so the conference is important in this regard.

Through such conferences, participants can introduce their work on Halal food to Muslims around the world, said Huseyin Kami Buyukozer, head of the Food and Supply Inspection and Certification Association (GIMDES) of the Halal trade group. He emphasized that the purpose of the conference is not just to make money.

Halal products can be used in various fields, from food to cosmetics to cleaning products, said Gunay Kaya, head of the union of agriculture and forestry civil servants.

'Our sensitivity to Halal and non-Halal'—meaning permitted and forbidden—'is not just an issue for Turks, or Arabs, or one country, but for the entire Muslim world. Because we are one group,' or community, said Sheikh Thafier Najjaar, head of the South African Council.

According to a report by Dr. Hani Al-Mazeedi of the Kuwait Institute, a Halal diet can be achieved through strict dietary practices. 'Halal products to replace non-Halal products may be produced. Muslim consumers should not fully trust official audit bodies' understanding of Halal. They should trust themselves.' 'Muslim scholars should express their views on Halal and non-Halal issues. Certification bodies should focus not only on the requirements of quality management systems but also on the law,' he added.

Turkey proposes Halal legislation

On October 11, the Turkish government submitted a bill to parliament to establish a Halal certification body.

Under the bill, the body will have the sole authority for Halal product certification in Turkey. It can also establish offices abroad. It will also authorize Turkish and foreign bodies to grant Halal conformity certificates.

Turkish Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci also emphasized Turkey's opportunities in the international Halal market last week. 'There is a Halal market in the world; let's see whether we join it. There are also bodies that will define the standards of Halal products and issue Halal certificates.' He added that Halal rules cover not only food but also cosmetics, textiles, finance, supply chains and insurance.

Halal certification bodies implement Halal standards within their countries and regions according to Halal regulations. They also aim to protect the growing number of Halal consumers and promote international trade.

The global trade value of Halal products and services is about US$3.9 trillion.