M. Zafer GEDİKLİ
The MIHAS fair isn’t what it was in previous years; we’re seeing a decline in interest and fewer companies participating each year. This may be due to the fact that almost every country now hosts a Halal fair. Therefore, manufacturers are likely now preferring to participate in fairs in their own countries. You may recall that about 10 years ago, MIHAS was the only specialized fair in this field, and finding a place to participate was practically impossible. Now, the situation has changed.
Another point is the significant increase in the number of Halal-certified products and manufacturers, especially in Asia, and regional governments are now strongly supporting Halal production and exports. Halal products, previously limited to Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore, are now available in other countries, particularly Thailand. Countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, and Japan, even with a Muslim population of less than 1%, are vying for a share of the Halal market. Selling products to Muslim-majority countries like Indonesia, as well as the Arab world, has become a state policy.
While Vietnam had a single Halal certification agency, there are now six.
The Cambodian government has decided to support the production of Halal products.
This increases the number of products; on the other hand, the increasing number of products and producers is intensifying competition. Countries are now requiring Halal certification from institutions they recognize for products imported to their countries.
Furthermore, regional governments are encouraging Muslim tourists to visit their countries by offering accommodations, restaurants, and prayer rooms. Thailand boasts numerous Halal-certified restaurants. Prayer rooms have been opened in hotels and airports, providing various amenities for Muslims. The Vietnamese government is organizing various tour campaigns aimed at Muslim tourists and trying to attract tourists. These are indicators of growing Halal awareness. All of these developments have occurred over the last 5-6 years.
Today, in Bangkok, Thailand, we met with CICOT, the official and sole Halal institution, and signed a mutual recognition agreement. This means CICOT will recognize GIMDES’s Halal certificates until June 2028.
Our next stop is Singapore. As you know, we will be attending the meetings organized by Singapore’s official institution, MUIS, on September 24-25.
