Global Halal Brazil Business Forum recognized as Brazil’s foremost Halal industry event, is set to return for its second edition on October 23-24, 2023, at the prestigious WTC Events Center in São Paulo. This significant gathering, organized by the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) in collaboration with FAMBRAS Halal, a leading certification body, will bring together an esteemed group of experts, government officials, and industry leaders from across the globe.
The Significance of the Global Halal Brazil Business Forum
ABCC President Osmar Chohfi emphasized the forum’s critical role in positioning Brazil as a reliable and strong partner in the global Halal market. “We’ll demonstrate the relevance of this market to Brazilian entrepreneurs and policymakers while showcasing to our Arab and Islamic counterparts that Brazil is a strong and trustworthy trading partner in the field of Halal,” Chohfi stated. The forum’s core objective is to increase awareness among Brazilian businesses about the vast opportunities within the Halal market, highlighting Brazil’s pivotal role as a global Halal meat supplier and its potential for further expansion into new sectors.
A Historic Milestone for Brazil’s Halal Industry
Ali Zoghbi, Deputy Chair of FAMBRAS Halal, described the Global Halal Brazil Business Forum as a historic milestone for the Brazilian Halal industry. “It’s a historic moment for the industry in Brazil. We’ll bring together the key Halal exporters from various countries and Brazilian major figures to show the global relevance of Halal, particularly for Brazil.” This event marks a significant step forward in Brazil’s engagement with the global Halal economy, providing a platform for dialogue and collaboration among key stakeholders.
The Importance of Halal Certification
Halal products, suitable for consumption by Muslims, must undergo rigorous certification processes to ensure compliance with Islamic dietary laws. These certifications are crucial for Muslim-majority countries and consumers worldwide who value the ethical and quality standards associated with Halal products. The forum will explore the added value of Halal certification for consumers, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high standards to ensure consumer trust.
Brazil’s Leadership in the Global Halal Market
Brazil has firmly established itself as the world’s largest producer and exporter of Halal meat, and it ranks among the top global suppliers of Halal-certified food products. In 2022, Brazil exported approximately USD 23 billion worth of food and beverages to Islamic countries, reinforcing its substantial presence in this sector. The country’s strategic position as a distribution hub for Halal products to other Mercosur countries, including Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, further solidifies its leadership role in the Halal economy.
Brazil is also home to a significant Muslim population of 1.9 million, which enhances its status as a vital Halal consumer market. The Global Halal Brazil Business Forum will address Brazil’s potential to expand its reach within the Halal market, exploring new sectors such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and tourism.
Key Topics and Discussions
The 2023 Global Halal Brazil Business Forum is set to feature comprehensive discussions and insights from leading global experts in the Halal field. Some of the key topics on the agenda include:
- Opportunities for Brazil in the Growing Global Halal Economy and Islamic Finance: This session will explore the economic potential for Brazil in the expanding Halal market, including the opportunities presented by Islamic finance.
- The Added Value of Halal Certification for the Consumer: Experts will discuss the importance of Halal certification and how it adds value for consumers, ensuring the integrity and quality of Halal products.
- Digitization as a Driver of Global Halal Business: This topic will focus on the role of digital technology in enhancing the global Halal business, including e-commerce and digital marketing strategies.
- Halal in Traceability, Blockchain, and Certification: This session will delve into the use of traceability and blockchain technology in the Halal certification process, ensuring transparency and trust in Halal products.
- The Strategic Hubs for Accessing the Halal Market: Discussions will center around the key geographical hubs that serve as gateways to the global Halal market.
- Tourism and Entertainment: Innovation and Competitiveness: This topic will explore the potential for Halal tourism and entertainment, focusing on how Brazil can leverage these sectors to attract more visitors from Muslim-majority countries.
Event Logistics and Participation
The Global Halal Brazil Business Forum will take place in person at the WTC Events Center on Avenida das Nações Unidas. For those unable to attend in person, the event will also be live-streamed on YouTube, ensuring global accessibility. Registration is open to the public, with free admission, making it an inclusive event for all interested parties. Companies interested in supporting the event as sponsors are encouraged to explore partnership opportunities, furthering their involvement in the Halal market.
The forum’s plenary sessions are scheduled for the mornings of both days, followed by the Halal Scientific Technical Congress (CTEC Halal) in the afternoons. This congress is a new feature of this year’s forum and will include targeted discussions on areas such as tourism, logistics, and traceability. The use of traceability, in particular, has been a potent tool developed in Brazil to bolster the credibility of Halal-certified services produced in the country.
Post-Forum Initiatives and the Halal Brazil Project
Following the forum’s deliberations, the Halal Brazil project, led by ABCC and the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil), will facilitate B2B meetings and visits to local companies. This initiative aims to assist manufacturers of food and beverage items with value-added potential in entering and strengthening their presence in the global Halal market. These post-forum activities are designed to translate the discussions and insights from the forum into tangible business opportunities for Brazilian companies.
Strengthening Brazil’s Position in the Halal Economy
The Global Halal Brazil Business Forum is more than just an industry event; it is a catalyst for change, driving Brazil’s ambitions in the global Halal economy. By bringing together key stakeholders, the forum not only highlights Brazil’s current achievements but also sets the stage for future growth and innovation in the Halal sector. As Brazil continues to expand its reach in the Halal market, events like the GHB Forum play a crucial role in fostering international partnerships, promoting best practices, and ensuring that Brazil remains a leader in the global Halal economy.
The return of the Global Halal Brazil Business Forum in 2023 is a testament to Brazil’s commitment to the Halal industry, its readiness to engage with global partners, and its ambition to explore new opportunities within this rapidly growing market. As the forum unfolds, it will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on Brazil’s Halal industry, shaping its future and solidifying its position as a key player on the global stage.
Author
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Hafiz Maqsood Ahmed is the Editor-in-Chief of The Halal Times, with over 30 years of experience in journalism. Specializing in the Islamic economy, his insightful analyses shape discourse in the global Halal economy.
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