Azerbaijan Halal Business and Tourism Forum Successfully Concludes

The Azerbaijan Halal Business and Tourism Forum (AZHAB Forum), held over two days, concluded successfully, leaving a lasting impression with thought-provoking discussions, impactful presentations, and the forging of important partnerships. Organized by Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Economy, the State Tourism Agency, and the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBİA), the event brought together influential figures from over 20 countries to explore opportunities in the rapidly growing global halal economy.

With a focus on themes such as sustainability, Islamic finance, standardization, tourism, and the role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the halal industry, the forum played a vital role in fostering international collaboration and setting the stage for future growth in Azerbaijan’s halal market.

SMEs: The Backbone of the Global Halal Industry

A key panel discussion on the role of SMEs in shaping the global halal industry was held on the first day, where Yusif Khalavi, Secretary-General of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCD), emphasized the significant potential SMEs have in driving innovation and adaptability within the halal market. He argued that for SMEs to thrive, they need greater access to financing options, improved cross-border collaboration, and enhanced support from both the public and private sectors.

Echoing his sentiments, Zehra Zumrut Seljuk, Director-General of the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Center for Islamic Countries (SESRIC), highlighted the importance of capacity building for SMEs. She noted that these enterprises are critical to economic development in the halal industry and called for international partnerships to support their growth. Orhan Mammadov, Chairman of KOBİA, further underscored the role of Azerbaijan’s SMEs in the halal sector, stressing that local businesses could benefit greatly from increased access to international markets.

Sustainability and the Rise of “Halal Green”

The concept of sustainability within the halal industry was a focal point of the panel discussion titled “Sustainability in the Halal Industry: Is Green the New Halal?”. Nur Sani Hanga, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs of Nigeria, introduced the idea of aligning halal standards with global sustainability efforts, particularly in addressing climate change. He pointed out that the principles of Islamic teachings on stewardship of the earth naturally complement the drive toward sustainable development.

Agil Shirinov, Rector of the Azerbaijan Theology Institute, expanded on this, advocating for stronger environmental policies within the halal industry. He argued that integrating ecological initiatives with halal standards could boost the global competitiveness of halal products. Mohammad Minhaj Khokhar, Director of the Silicon Valley Climate Change Institute, reinforced the need for this shift, stating that the halal sector has a unique opportunity to lead by example in promoting sustainable practices, particularly in agriculture and food production.

Unlocking the Region’s Halal Tourism Potential

A significant portion of the forum focused on the untapped potential of halal tourism in Azerbaijan and the broader region. Vusala Jafarova, Director of the Turkish World Research Center, emphasized that Azerbaijan’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty make it an ideal destination for Muslim travelers. She highlighted the importance of developing halal-certified hospitality services and promoting the country as a safe, family-friendly destination that aligns with Islamic values.

Mahammad Muradov, from the Azerbaijan State Tourism Agency, discussed the growing demand for halal tourism worldwide and how Azerbaijan can capitalize on this trend by investing in infrastructure that caters to the needs of Muslim tourists. He also mentioned the role digital marketing can play in attracting global halal tourists, encouraging local businesses to embrace technology in promoting their offerings. Kemal Seyranich, Department Head at Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Halal Quality Certification and Analysis Department, noted that Azerbaijan’s geographical location and Islamic heritage give it a unique advantage in becoming a leading halal tourism hub in the region.

Standardizing the Halal Industry: Challenges and Opportunities

The second day of the forum shifted focus to the critical issue of halal standardization. Professor Syed Ghulam Musharraf from the International Center for Chemistry and Biological Sciences at Karachi University addressed the complexities of global halal certification processes, noting that inconsistent standards across countries are hindering the growth of the international halal trade. He called for closer collaboration between certification bodies to create unified standards that would benefit businesses and consumers alike.

Ihsan Ovut, Secretary-General of the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC), supported this view, adding that the future of the halal industry depends on the ability to streamline certification and regulation across different markets. He emphasized that uniform standards would help halal businesses scale globally while ensuring that consumers receive products that meet their religious and ethical expectations.

Islamic Finance and Investment: Building Ethical Financial Opportunities

Islamic finance took center stage in the panel discussion titled “Islamic Finance and Investment: Ethical Banking and Financial Opportunities in the Region.” Fatma Chinar, Deputy Secretary-General of the Union of Turkish Participatory Banks, highlighted the growing role of Islamic banking in supporting economic development in the region. She explained that Islamic finance, with its ethical foundations, offers a more inclusive approach to banking that can benefit communities often overlooked by traditional financial systems.

Jala Hajiyeva, Executive Director of the Azerbaijan Microfinance Association, explored the potential of Islamic microfinance to support SMEs in Azerbaijan, noting that providing Sharia-compliant financial services could open up new avenues for local businesses to grow. She encouraged financial institutions to integrate Islamic finance principles into their operations to enhance financial inclusion and support sustainable development in the region.

Key Agreements and Partnerships Forged

A highlight of the forum was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Association of Food and Beverage Manufacturers of Azerbaijan (AQİSA) and the British Islamic Trade Association. This agreement, aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two organizations, marks an important step in promoting halal standards in the food and beverage industry. It also signifies Azerbaijan’s growing influence in the global halal economy and its potential as a key player in the industry.

The forum concluded with a recognition ceremony, where certificates of appreciation were awarded to volunteers who played an essential role in the organization of the event. Their efforts ensured the seamless operation of both the conference and the exhibition, which featured around 30 companies from sectors including food, textiles, ICT, and education, showcasing a variety of halal-certified products and services.

The Azerbaijan Halal Business and Tourism Forum not only provided a platform for insightful discussions on critical issues in the halal industry but also set the stage for future collaborations and partnerships. The forum underscored Azerbaijan’s growing role as a leader in the global halal economy, with participants from across the globe recognizing the country’s potential in halal tourism, finance, and standardization.

Organized by the Ministry of Economy, the State Tourism Agency, and KOBİA, with the support of Caspian Event Organisers LLC and several international bodies, the event demonstrated Azerbaijan’s commitment to building a robust halal ecosystem. As the country continues to develop its halal industry, the AZHAB Forum is expected to play a key role in shaping its future trajectory, further solidifying Azerbaijan’s position in the global market.