The IHAF head said we must adopt ISO-level Halal standards.
The International Halal Accreditation Forum (IHAF) emphasized the importance of developing ISO-level Halal standards to capitalize on the Islamic economy. According to the 2019/2020 Global Islamic Economy Report, the Islamic economy is expected to reach 11.7 trillion dirhams (US$3.2 trillion) by 2024.
The UAE news agency WAM reported that IHAF Secretary-General Dr. Rehab Al Ameri pointed out the importance of promoting the development of ISO-level Halal standards in her speech at the 5th Global Halal Industry Platform.
She explained that Halal is becoming increasingly prominent among enterprises and companies aiming to meet the needs of 1.2 billion Muslim consumers worldwide.
The event was sponsored by Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy and chairman of the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA), and opened by ESMA Director-General Abdulla Al Maeeni.
'Today, we are proud to see that countries are following Halal standards to penetrate various new markets and cater to the growing Muslim population and the increasing number of non-Muslim consumers who prefer to consume Halal products. Governments around the world have taken initiatives to support the development of the Halal industry, which has led to entry into new markets, upgrading of existing facilities, R&D, technology acquisition, marketing and promotion.
The Secretary-General said that developing ISO-level Halal standards and harmonizing these standards globally is crucial to protecting the growing number of Halal consumers and promoting international Halal trade.
She added: 'The unification of Halal standards will not only remove trade barriers, but also facilitate easier, seamless international trade relations, thereby promoting economic growth in various countries and providing broader opportunities for Halal goods to enter new Halal markets worldwide.'