Halal World Expo aims to build on first-time success; forum showcases multi-billion dollar Islamic finance sector.
Abu
Dhabi becomes a focal point this week for key players in the Halal
industry, a rapidly expanding business now reaching 1.8 billion
consumers worldwide and worth an estimated USD 2.1 trillion.
Opening
tomorrow (Tuesday) at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, the
three-day Halal World Expo, organised by IIR Middle East, aims to build
on its inaugural success last year, having immediately established
itself as the GCC’s leading exhibition dedicated to the global Halal
industry
As well as showcasing Halal food, the event will also
focus on Halal lifestyle products, including Islamic finance and
Shari’ah compliant fashion, cosmetics and healthcare.
The Middle
East is one of the premier markets for Halal products and the
exhibition will provide a business platform catering to the needs of
the global Halal producers, traders and business leaders looking to
expand their business in the region.
Christine Weaver,
Exhibition Director for Halal World Expo, said: “The need for this
event is clear when you consider that the Halal industry is a
burgeoning business, with over 1.8 billion consumers worldwide and
worth an estimated USD 2.1 trillion. Our inaugural event was a huge
success and we look forward to building upon that.
“The Abu
Dhabi National Exhibition Centre really is the place to be if you want
to play a part in, or find out more about, the Halal industry, given
that we will have fascinating talks and delicious food on offer for
interested parties to enjoy.”
The event has attracted more than 50
organisations involved in the Halal industry from across the globe,
including leading food companies such as Nestlé and Wrigley.
Among
the countries participating for the first time, the Philippines will be
showcasing an appetising array of its finest halal products, such as
fresh mango, lechon manok (baked chicken) and coconut milk.
Running
alongside the exhibition is the Halal World Expo Forum, bringing
together experts from various industries to address key issues and
provide specific practical solutions for sustainable growth and
development across the many fields of this diverse industry.
The
forum will also throw the spotlight on the multi-billion dollar Islamic
finance sector, with three comprehensive seminars on Shari’ah compliant
banking and financial services given by key Middle East banks,
including a presentation and discussion group facilitated by Abrar Mir,
Managing Partner at NBD Capital.
Weaver added: “Potential
investors and customers for products and services in the Islamic
finance sector will find these seminars extremely useful. The Shari’ah
compliant financial services sector is worth between USD 200 and USD
500 billion annually and is of growing interest for world financial
markets.”
The exhibition is an annual landmark event opening the gateway for the Middle East market to the international Halal industry.
