Dubai Signs Agreements To Create Global Halal Trade Network

Dubai Exports, the promotion agency of the Department of Economic Development (DED), has said it has signed a series of agreements in a bid to create a global halal trade network.

In a major push to develop the cross border trade of halal certified products, a series of memoranda of understanding (MoU) and agreements have been signed in partnership with the Halal Development Corporation (HDC) of Malaysia and the Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre (DIEDC).

The agreements, with trade hubs and jurisdictions across the world, will enable regional and international companies to tap the growing global interest in halal products, a statement said.

The statement added that the creation of the halal network will strengthen bi-lateral trade between developed and developing Muslim majority countries, giving an immediate boost to the volume of halal products traded, which in turn will help create new jobs.

According to research conducted by Thomson Reuters, the total halal market is forecast to grow to $1.6 trillion by 2018. Estimates suggest that the global halal food segment is worth around $667 billion and accounts for around 20 percent of the global food trade while additional Halal sectors such as pharmaceuticals, tourism, clothing and cosmetics also add to the value of the overall industry.

Demand for halal products is expected to grow by 15-20 percent over the next five years

Mohammed Al Gergawi, chairman of Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre, said: “The halal industry is at the heart of Dubai’s vision for the global Islamic economy.

“This series of hub-to-hub agreements provides a solid foundation on which to drive the development of the halal sector and encourage cross border halal trade, which, in turn, will generate significant investment opportunities for major international, regional and local businesses.

“The halal sector is poised for significant growth over the next five years. This initiative will significantly strengthen economic activity, not just in Muslim majority countries but also in countries, such as New Zealand and Brazil, that have significant halal-based industries. It also firmly positions Dubai as a leader in the development of the Islamic economy,” added Al Gergawi.

Sami Al Qamzi, director general of DED, said: “These agreements will help us reinforce the local and global halal market, create an acceptance for globally traded goods under the Dubai halal brand and ultimately extend our halal footprint globally. This initiative could further serve as the blueprint for a food and nutritional security agenda for the MENA region.”

Originally published on www.arabianbusiness.com