Global Halal Brazil Business Forum Showcases UAE's Focus on Halal Trade

25 Oct, 2023

Global Halal Brazil Business Forum Showcases UAE's Focus on Halal Trade

Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the Minister of State for Foreign Trade, highlighted the global expansion of the halal market, noting its significant growth beyond Islamic and Arab nations. He made this statement via video message at the opening of the Global Halal Brazil Business Forum (GHB), which took place in São Paulo on October 23rd and 24th. Dr. Al Zeyoudi stated that the halal trade market is currently valued at over $2.2 trillion, with halal products accounting for 3.7 percent of total global trade, and these figures are continually rising.

The participation of the United Arab Emirates in the forum is aimed at strengthening relations with Brazil and other participating nations. The UAE seeks to engage in constructive dialogues to create opportunities in the halal industry and exchange knowledge and experiences.

Dr. Al Zeyoudi emphasized that the UAE has taken several pioneering initiatives to support and develop the Islamic economy, with the halal industry being a fundamental component. The UAE is at the forefront of regional and global efforts to advance the halal sector. Furthermore, he highlighted that the UAE's halal system is highly developed in its legislative and regulatory aspects, and the nation is willing to share its expertise with others.

The Minister called for enhanced global cooperation within the halal industry and the integration of modern technology to ensure its sustainable development. He expressed confidence that the Global Halal Brazil Forum will make significant contributions to these efforts.

Brazil's President, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, acknowledged that the nation's exports to the Arab League countries reached a record revenue of $17.74 billion in 2022. These numbers reflect the trust Arab countries have in the quality of Brazilian products and Brazil's ability to meet the demands of this dynamic market.

Lula highlighted that Arab countries represent a market of nearly two billion consumers worldwide. He commended Brazilian manufacturers and entrepreneurs for their commitment to innovation and sustainability, emphasizing their dedication to protecting the environment and providing high-quality products. As a leading global food producer,particularly in meat, Brazil is well-positioned to supply the global market with high-quality Halal products.

The Global Halal Brazil Business Forum brings together various stakeholders in the halal industry, including scholars, authorities, business professionals, and public representatives. This event, organized by the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) and the certification entity FAMBRAS Halal, focuses not only on food and beverages but also on initiatives to develop the halal economy in Brazil across various sectors, such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, entertainment, fashion, finance, and tourism. The forum aims to raise awareness among more participants in Brazil about the prospects of the global halal market and the importance of Brazil as a leading global supplier of halal products.