The 10th OIC Halal Expo, the world’s largest platform for halal-certified products and services, is returning to Istanbul with an exciting agenda this November. Running from November 27 to 30, the event brings together industry leaders, policymakers, innovators, and halal-conscious consumers from all corners of the globe. With its impressive scale and diverse participation, this four-day event marks a significant milestone in the growth of the global halal economy.
A Global Stage for Collaboration
The OIC Halal Expo, hosted by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), has cemented its reputation as a transformative event for the halal market. This year, it is expected to welcome 50,000 visitors, including representatives from 1,100 companies and delegations from over 80 countries. Participants range from government officials and business leaders to academics and young entrepreneurs, all driven by the goal of advancing halal industries.
In tandem with the expo, the 8th World Halal Summit will serve as a forum for in-depth discussions on the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the halal ecosystem. The summit offers valuable insights and fosters collaboration across diverse sectors, from industry panels to interactive workshops.
Türkiye has emerged as a powerhouse in the global halal economy, leveraging its strategic geographical location, robust manufacturing capabilities, and commitment to innovation. Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat attended the expo to reaffirm the nation’s commitment to enhancing halal standards and strengthening international partnerships.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in his opening remarks via video message, underscored Türkiye’s leadership in promoting halal certification and its vital role in unifying global halal standards through the Standards and Metrology Institute for the Islamic Countries (SMIIC). Erdogan highlighted the expo’s contribution to Türkiye’s position as a worldwide hub for halal products and services.
“Türkiye is advancing its position as a global production hub. Certification and standardization are critical for ensuring consumer trust and facilitating the circulation of halal products in international trade,” Erdogan stated.
The Halal Market
The halal market has grown into a global economic powerhouse valued at over $5 trillion, encompassing industries far beyond its traditional focus on food. Today, halal-certified products and services span cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, tourism, fashion, and even Islamic finance. This diversity reflects the dynamic nature of halal principles, which prioritize cleanliness, ethical practices, and inclusivity.
Halal products are increasingly gaining traction among non-Muslim consumers who value the associated health and ethical benefits. The growing demand for halal goods and services presents enormous opportunities for businesses and economies worldwide, making events like the OIC Halal Expo pivotal in shaping the future of this market.
The theme of this year’s summit, “10 Years of Halal Success,” celebrates a decade of remarkable growth and achievement in the halal industry. Since its inception, the OIC Halal Expo has evolved from a regional gathering to a global phenomenon, attracting stakeholders from a wide array of industries and geographies.
President Erdogan expressed optimism about the expo’s role in fostering innovation, building partnerships, and creating new investment opportunities.
“The discussions at this year’s summit will open new horizons for companies, institutions, and consumers. The business forums will foster partnerships and pave the way for groundbreaking investments,” Erdogan added.
The OIC Halal Expo
The OIC Halal Expo and World Halal Summit aim to:
- Unified Standards: By addressing discrepancies in halal certification processes, the expo seeks to establish a cohesive framework that facilitates international trade.
- Foster Collaboration: The event brings together stakeholders to share best practices, explore innovations, and build meaningful partnerships.
- Emerging Opportunities: With halal products extending beyond food to industries like tourism and technology, the expo provides a platform to explore new markets.
- Encourage Investment: Business forums and networking opportunities are designed to attract investments and stimulate economic growth within the halal sector.
The Standards and Metrology Institute for the Islamic Countries (SMIIC) plays a crucial role in harmonizing halal certification standards across OIC member states. Established in 2010, SMIIC has been instrumental in eliminating inconsistencies in halal certification, which have historically posed barriers to international trade.
Erdogan urged greater participation from OIC member states in SMIIC’s initiatives, emphasizing that unified standards are essential for building consumer trust and facilitating cross-border commerce.
“SMIIC’s work is vital for resolving divisions and uncertainties surrounding halal certification. A unified standard is a prerequisite for the seamless circulation of halal products globally,” Erdogan remarked.
The Expanding Halal Ecosystem
The halal economy has diversified significantly in recent years, encompassing a wide range of industries. Here’s a closer look at the key sectors showcased at the OIC Halal Expo:
1. Halal Cosmetics
Ethical, cruelty-free, and inclusive, halal-certified beauty products are resonating with consumers globally. This sector is trendy among Millennials and Gen Z, who prioritize sustainability and ethical sourcing in their purchasing decisions.
2. Halal Pharmaceuticals
With increasing awareness of halal principles in medicine, the demand for halal-certified pharmaceuticals and supplements is on the rise. These products adhere to stringent guidelines, ensuring they are free from prohibited substances and ethically produced.
3. Halal Tourism
The halal travel market is booming, with Muslim-friendly services such as halal-certified hotels, restaurants, and travel packages becoming mainstream. Destinations like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Türkiye are leading the charge in accommodating the unique needs of Muslim travelers.
4. Islamic Finance
Shariah-compliant banking and investment products have emerged as a cornerstone of the halal economy. By prioritizing ethical and socially responsible practices, Islamic finance is attracting interest from Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
5. Halal Fashion
Modest fashion has gained global recognition, with brands catering to consumers seeking stylish yet culturally appropriate clothing. The integration of halal principles in fashion highlights the adaptability of the halal ecosystem to modern consumer demands.
The OIC Halal Expo is a hotbed of innovation, with exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge technologies designed to enhance the efficiency and transparency of halal certification. Some noteworthy advancements include:
- Blockchain Solutions: These enable traceability of halal products, ensuring authenticity and compliance throughout the supply chain.
- AI-Powered Certification Tools: Artificial intelligence is being used to streamline certification processes, reducing errors and enhancing reliability.
- Sustainable Practices: From eco-friendly packaging to ethically sourced ingredients, exhibitors are demonstrating how halal principles can align with global sustainability goals.
These innovations not only benefit businesses but also build consumer trust, a critical factor in the competitive global market.
The World Halal Summit
Running alongside the expo, the World Halal Summit is a hub for knowledge exchange and thought leadership. Featuring seminars, panel discussions, and keynote speeches, the summit tackles pressing issues and explores emerging trends in the halal economy.
This year’s topics include:
- The impact of unified halal standards on global trade.
- Digital transformation in the halal industry.
- Opportunities in halal e-commerce.
- The role of sustainability in halal production.
The summit also serves as a platform for recognizing outstanding contributions to the halal economy and celebrating the achievements of businesses and individuals driving innovation and growth.
Türkiye’s Strategic Role
Türkiye’s strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia makes it an ideal hub for halal production and trade. The nation’s robust infrastructure, skilled workforce, and commitment to standardization have positioned it as a trusted partner in the global halal economy.
By hosting the OIC Halal Expo, Türkiye reinforces its role as a leader in halal industries, promoting collaboration and innovation while showcasing its capabilities to the world.
Halal Certification on Consumer Trust
Halal certification is more than just a label—it’s a symbol of trust, quality, and ethical integrity. Consumers increasingly value transparency in production processes, and halal certification assures that products meet rigorous standards.
At the OIC Halal Expo, attendees can explore the latest developments in certification, including digital solutions that make it easier for consumers to verify the authenticity of halal products.
Trends in the Halal Economy
As the halal market continues to grow, several trends are shaping its evolution:
- Halal E-Commerce: Online platforms are making halal products more accessible to consumers worldwide, driving growth in the halal retail sector.
- Health and Wellness: Consumers are seeking halal-certified health and wellness products, from organic foods to fitness supplements.
- Sustainability: There is a growing emphasis on sustainable practices, with businesses adopting eco-friendly production methods and packaging.
- Youth Engagement: Younger generations are playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of the halal market, driving demand for innovative and inclusive products.
The 10th OIC Halal Expo and World Halal Summit represent more than just a gathering of industry stakeholders—they are a celebration of the halal economy’s potential to drive positive change in the global market. By fostering collaboration, promoting innovation, and unifying standards, these events pave the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future.
As the halal market continues to expand, the expo serves as a reminder of the opportunities and responsibilities that come with this growth. From ethical production to consumer trust, the principles that define the halal economy are more relevant than ever, offering a model for businesses worldwide.
The 10th OIC Halal Expo is not just an event—it’s a movement. With its focus on innovation, collaboration, and unified standards, the expo is shaping the future of the halal economy. Türkiye’s leadership and global participation at this year’s event underscore the importance of halal principles in today’s interconnected world.
As the halal market grows, the expo’s impact will resonate far beyond its four-day run, influencing industries and communities worldwide. For businesses, policymakers, and consumers, the OIC Halal Expo is a beacon of opportunity, innovation, and shared prosperity.
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