During the WHBC 2023 held in London, Imran Musa, the Group CEO of ARK, served as moderator for a key session focused on Global Trade on Halal Products. An esteemed panel, comprising Datuk Dr. Sirajuddin Suhaimee, Deputy Director at the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), Dr. Abdelbasset Benzertiha, Technical Manager at the Polish Halal Institute, and Mr. Hani al- Nubani,Director, ACO Group International, Halal International Business Europe engaged in dynamic discussions, offering their insights on a number of significant topics.
a) Navigating through Non-Tariff Trade Barriers
b) Bridging the Gap in Halal Standards
c) Empowering Halal Producers
d) Promoting Conscious Consumerism
e) Adapting to Advancements in Production
g) Welcoming Diverse Certifiers
Firstly, the panel discussed navigating through Non-Tariff Trade Barriers. They elaborated on the complexities of trade caused by differences in religious dietary laws across multiple nations. The challenges exporters face due to mandatory Halal certification requirements in some countries were also brought to the foreground. Additionally, the panelists dove into the divergence in interpretations and implementations of Halal standards across countries and how additional costs relating to Halal certification can impact an entity’s competitiveness, particularly for small businesses.
The panel then turned their attention towards bridging the Gap in Halal Standards, bringing to the fore the need for a unified global standard for Halal. The panelists emphasized the importance of promoting clarity, religious compliance, and trade facilitation through this global standard.
The discussion transitioned towards empowering Halal Producers. Here, the panelists explored the challenge of reframing Halal standards to be more accommodating of non-Muslim producers, who currently source the majority of Halal ingredients.
Promoting Conscious Consumerism was the next topic of discussion. The panel laid stress on the need to combat Halal extremism, and to promote quality, healthier, and eco-friendly Halal products, in addition to ensuring religious compliance.
Moving on, the panelists examined the need for Halal certification bodies to adapt to advancements in Production. Recognizing the urgency to keep pace with rapidly developing food technology and novel production methods, like cultured meat, was a significant part of the conversation.
Welcoming Diverse Certifiers was another discussion point where panelists outlined the potential benefits of involving non-religious entities in Halal certification process, especially for non-consumable products. This not only promotes diversity and inclusivity among certifiers, but also enhances the robustness and credibility of the Halal certification process
The session ended on time to give way to the Business Networking Dinner of WHBC 2023.
