Global Islamic Economy Summit begins with discussion on success of halal industry

The Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry has announced that, on the first day of the Global Islamic Economy Summit 2016, a major discussion was had on the success of the halal industry and the potential for further leverage.
 
The discussion session included a panel consisting of Mohammed Badri, managing director, International Halal Acc. Forum – UAE; Rafu-uddin Shikor, managing director, Dinar Standard – UAE; and Saqib Mohammed, CEO of Halal Food Authority – UK.
 
“The halal industry has made vast strides in recent years as consumers become more inquisitive about where their food is sourced from,” Badri said. “Greater coordination and standardization globally about what constitutes halal food is a barrier that can, and needs to be, overcome, in the coming years to ensure that the sector’s full potential is attained in the Islamic world.”
 
Shikor agreed, stating that halal food is synonymous with healthy food in many western markets. Shikor noted that the industry needs to capitalize on this trend, as it is a positive association for Islam.
 
“Muslim countries in particular need to try and become better at producing halal food as there is a huge opportunity on offer which is currently being seized by countries such as Brazil and Australia,” Shikor said.