OUTCOMES OF THE FIRST GLOBAL HALAL CONGRESS

Concept of ‘Halal Pakistan’ was successfully launched and Pakistan’s potential to contribute in the trillion dollar industry was underscored as Pakistan has great potential to become the Halal hub of the region due to its geo-economic position. It has direct access to millions of halal consumers in Afghanistan, Middle East and Central Asia

Pakistan’s Halal Standards were also introduced at the Halal Congress, which would be helpful in promoting Pakistani products as quality & standard products and boosting Pakistan’s exports

With the participation of representatives from International Halal Certification bodies and prominent figures from more than 17 countries, the Congress turned out to be launching pad of a new International Halal Movement. This movement will not only serve as the binding force for Muslim countries but will also promote Halal quality products (including food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics) and services (including financial services and hospitality) for the Muslims and non-Muslims all over the world unveiling the huge potential and infinite opportunities of this industry

New avenues and opportunities were opened for Pakistani exporters to boost their exports with the improvement in their quality, standards and packaging. It was also decided that a Halal Certification bill has to be drafted with a purpose of promoting Pakistan’s exports in the big consumer market of Halal products and services as well as generating acceptability and awareness of the Pakistani products and Government, authorities and decision makers united together and ensured to support Pakistan in becoming the Halal hub of the region

Halal Development Council (HDC) signed 12 MoUs with International Halal Certification bodies, Research Centers and Scientific Laboratories for the development and promotion of Halal economy. Signing of these MoUs has strengthened the cause and clearly indicates that this movement is not going to stop

At the end of the Congress, delegates and attendees unanimously agreed upon the following resolution.

RESOLUTIONS

1. To increase awareness among the industry about the benefits of Halal branding and compliance through certification in the global market.
2. The government of Pakistan should set up a program to accredit Halal certification bodies.
3. The government of Pakistan should implement stricter food import requirements to ensure Halal compliance.
4. To give more focus on value-added products through research and development, engagement with the industry and support from the Government of Pakistan.
5. To coordinate with the Financial Services industry to increase awareness of the availability of Islamic financial products.
6. The relevant government agencies should support innovation in Halal lifestyle areas such as recreational, beauty, wellness and pharmaceutical products.
7. The government of Pakistan should engage its relevant agencies to facilitate participation of the private sector in Halal Product export promotion activities