Azerbaijan to Host Inaugural Halal Business and Tourism Forum

The Azerbaijan Halal Business and Tourism Forum (AZHAB Forum) is set to debut in Baku on October 8-9, 2024, marking a significant milestone in the region’s growing halal industry. The event aims to establish Azerbaijan as a key player in the global halal economy, fostering cooperation in investment and trade while providing a platform for sharing ideas, experiences, and best practices in the halal business and tourism sectors.halal topurs

The forum is a collaborative effort organized by the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBİA) of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Support is provided by influential organizations such as “Caspian Event Organisers LLC,” the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the International Association of Islamic Business, the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD), the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC), and the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC).

The AZHAB Forum is designed to create a dynamic environment for fostering new partnerships in investment and trade, particularly within the halal industry. A key objective of the forum is to facilitate the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and opportunities in halal business, tourism, and finance, as well as to enhance the standardization of halal products and services. Additionally, it seeks to attract foreign investments to Azerbaijan, showcasing the country as an emerging market in the halal economy.

The two-day event will be divided into two key components: a conference and an exhibition.

• Conference: The conference will feature multiple sessions focusing on development prospects in vital halal sectors such as food, tourism, and Islamic finance. It will include insightful discussions on global trends, challenges, and growth strategies within these sectors. Standardization of halal products and services will be a central theme, highlighting efforts to align with global halal standards and certifications. Attendees will benefit from panel discussions led by experts, offering a platform to exchange experiences and insights into best practices within the global halal landscape.
• Exhibition: Running concurrently with the conference, the exhibition will display a wide range of halal-certified products and services from both Azerbaijani and international companies. This showcase is expected to serve as a launchpad for new business collaborations, and investment opportunities, and an avenue to explore the latest innovations in the halal industry, from food and beverages to halal tourism services and Islamic finance solutions.

The forum is expected to gather a diverse group of participants, including government officials, industry experts, academics, international organizations, investors, and business representatives from over 20 countries worldwide. By drawing together such a wide array of stakeholders, the event aims to build bridges between local and international businesses, fostering strategic alliances and exploring potential trade agreements that align with the halal economy’s rapid global expansion.

Promoting Azerbaijan as a Halal Hub

With the growing demand for halal products and services worldwide, Azerbaijan is positioning itself as a strategic hub for the halal market. The AZHAB Forum provides an ideal opportunity to highlight Azerbaijan’s unique offerings, infrastructure, and investment-friendly environment for both halal tourism and trade. The forum aligns with the government’s broader economic goals of diversifying the economy, boosting the tourism sector, and enhancing Azerbaijan’s role in the global halal market.

The forum not only serves as a networking platform but also as a significant catalyst for the growth of the halal industry in Azerbaijan and the surrounding region. It will provide businesses with valuable insights into market trends, policy developments, and halal certification processes while facilitating discussions on how to meet the evolving needs of halal consumers worldwide.

By hosting this first-of-its-kind event in the region, Azerbaijan demonstrates its commitment to the growth and development of the halal economy. The AZHAB Forum is anticipated to open doors for Azerbaijani companies to access new markets, establish strategic partnerships, and contribute to the global halal trade, while also drawing international attention to the country’s business and tourism potential.

The inaugural AZHAB Forum is not just a regional event but a step towards enhancing Azerbaijan’s presence on the global halal stage. With the convergence of key players in the halal industry, the event is set to lay the foundation for long-term growth, collaboration, and success in the halal economy.