Kazakhstan Set to Develop Halal Market

From June 4 to 12, over 100 certification and accreditation specialists from Kazakhstan attended a comprehensive training seminar on Halal standards in Astana. This event was crucial for Kazakhstan as it aimed to align the country’s Halal certification practices with international norms. The participants received in-depth training on Halal requirements and OIC/SMIIC international standards from leading global experts in Halal accreditation and certification.

Aligning National Legislation with International Standards

Zhanna Esenbekova, Chairperson of the Technical Regulation and Metrology Committee of the Ministry of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan, addressed the attendees, emphasizing the significance of adapting national legislation to meet ISO SMIIC standards. “For Kazakhstan’s economy, it is vital to have national legislation aligned with international standards. This alignment not only boosts our economic prospects but also ensures that our trained specialists can effectively promote and monitor compliance with Islamic requirements and standards,” Esenbekova highlighted.

Expanding Scope of Halal Standards in Kazakhstan

The global importance of Halal standards is growing, and their scope is expanding beyond traditional products. “Halal standards are now being applied to various sectors, including transport and logistics, finance and credit, tourism and hospitality, clothing and footwear production, and the restaurant business,” Esenbekova noted. This broadening of Halal standards reflects the increasing demand for products and services that meet Islamic guidelines.

Kazakhstan’s Competitive Edge in the Global Halal Market

International expert Emre Kırıcıoğlu, one of the seminar’s lecturers, provided a broader perspective on the Halal market. “Today, the Halal market caters to over 1.8 billion consumers worldwide, with a turnover ranging from 2 to 5 trillion dollars, particularly in Halal financing. Kazakhstan, known for its self-sufficiency in food supply, has high-quality local meat, grain, and vegetables grown under favorable conditions. Given the significant Muslim population, Kazakhstan is well-positioned to compete in international markets with products that comply with Islamic standards,” Kırıcıoğlu explained.

Halal Food and Tourism: Emerging Opportunities

Kazakhstan’s strategic position in the Halal market is further supported by recent developments and data. According to a 2023 report by the State of the Global Islamic Economy, the Halal food sector alone is projected to grow to $1.9 trillion by 2024. This growth is driven by increasing demand for Halal products not only in Muslim-majority countries but also in non-Muslim-majority countries where consumers seek ethical and high-quality food products.

In addition to food, Kazakhstan is also focusing on Halal tourism. With the global Halal tourism market expected to reach $300 billion by 2026, Kazakhstan is enhancing its infrastructure and services to cater to Muslim travelers. The country is developing Halal-friendly hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions to attract visitors from around the world.

Islamic Finance: A Flourishing Sector

Kazakhstan’s commitment to Halal standards extends to its financial sector as well. The Islamic finance industry is flourishing, with assets expected to surpass $3.8 trillion by 2024. Kazakhstan is actively participating in this growth by introducing Sharia-compliant financial products and services, thereby attracting investments from Islamic countries.

Kazakhstan’s Path to Becoming a Global Halal Hub

The training seminar in Astana is a testament to Kazakhstan’s dedication to becoming a key player in the global Halal market. By equipping its specialists with the knowledge and skills to uphold Halal standards, Kazakhstan is poised to strengthen its position and leverage its unique advantages in this rapidly expanding market.

In conclusion, Kazakhstan’s efforts to develop its Halal market are timely and strategic. With a robust framework aligned with international standards, the country is well on its way to becoming a significant hub for Halal products and services. This development not only benefits the local economy but also positions Kazakhstan as a competitive player in the global Halal market, catering to the needs of over a billion consumers worldwide.