Islamic finance has taken the stage in 2013

It was the year that the Islamic economy moved from vague conceptual status, an item on Dubai’s “wish list”, to being a central part of the UAE’s economic strategy.

The tone was set early on, in January, when Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, set out the emirate’s aim to become the hub of global Sharia-compliant business within five years.

It was an ambitious plan. Dubai is already a leading financial centre for the issue of sukuk (Sharia-compliant bonds) but Sheikh Mohammed’s vision went far wider than just the sukuk market.

Sami Al Qamzi, the director general of the Dubai Department of Economic Development and one of the lieutenants entrusted with implementing the Ruler’s strategy, said the aim of the initiative was to create a global capital of Islamic industry, economy and finance.

“The plans to create an Islamic economic centre will provide access to a global market for Islamic products valued at more than US$2 trillion.”

Halal food production, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, tourism and travel, and all other aspects of Islamic lifestyle were included in the plan, as well as the essential infrastructure of standardisation and certification of halal products.

Although nobody doubts the potential market provided by the world’s 1.3 billion Muslims, it is widely spread both geographically and sectorally. Dubai’s strategy was the first time one country had set out to be the world capital of the Islamic economy.

Dubai faces serious competition. Kuala Lumpar has been the driving force in Sharia-compliant financial business, having built up its resources in sukuk and other forms of Islamic finance over the past two decades.

London, too, was keen to augment its position as the leading financial market in the European time zone by becoming the global centre for sukuk listing and trading, a lucrative part of the Islamic financial market.

Other centres, like Dublin, Luxembourg, Indonesia and Bahrain also had plans to develop their Islamic economic capabilities. To make Dubai the centre of the Islamic business world would be a challenging task. The plan was immediately backed by leaders of the Dubai business and policymaking elite. In the Dubai International Financial Centre, the Nasdaq Dubai stock market announced it was considering a trading platform for sukuk, hoping to take away some of London’s lucrative trade.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, the chairman of Dubai World, applauded the move. “Dubai is pioneering; this is another example of how it does things before anyone else in the world,” he said.

The Dubai Multi Commodites Centre advanced plans to extend Sharia-compliant business in commodities and metals trading.

Banks beefed up their Islamic financial capabilities by hiring more experts on Sharia-compliant business, making it a growth market in the emirate’s financial scene and one of the forces behind Dubai’s recovery.

For most of the summer, the task force set up by Sheikh Mohammed was working hard behind the scenes to produce a practical strategy for the implementation of the grand plan.

By October, a master plan was in place. Seven separate strategic goals, each aiming to make Dubai a global leader in one aspect of the Islamic economy, had been identified: finance; the halal food industry; family-friendly tourism; the digital economy; fashion, arts and design; economic education; and standards and certification.

“The continued developments and changes in the global economy increase the need to constantly diversify the structure of our national economy,” said Sheikh Mohammed. “Our aim from all economic initiatives we launch is to improve the quality of life and provide opportunities that ensure a prosperous future for coming generations.”

And in a typical show of confidence that the emirate could achieve its ambition, he said that the time scale would be reduced. The aim was to make Dubai the capital of Islamic economy in three, not five years.

Early steps to be taken in 2014 include the establishment of an Islamic governance centre in Dubai, and an international laboratory for the certification and accreditation of halal products is also planned for early next year. Halal food and other products form an estimated US$3.5 billion global market.

Two other initiatives are also scheduled for the first part of next year: legislation to regulate the production of halal products locally and globally, and an international endowment authority to spread the culture of waqf, or Islamic charitable endowment.

At October’s World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) in London, held for the first time outside the Islamic world, the competitive pace was stepped up when Britain announced its plan to be the first non-Muslim country to issue a sovereign sukuk. But Dubai managed to steal London’s thunder when, after months of careful negotiations with the Malaysia-based WIEF, it was announced that the 2014 forum would be held in Dubai.

The final showpiece of the year was the Global Islamic Economy Summit held in Dubai in November, organised by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and the information group Thomson-Reuters. Some 3,000 leaders of global Islamic business gathered to hear Dubai’s plans, and to give their general endorsement of the strategy.

The prize for Dubai had got bigger. A new study put the overall potential value of Islamic business at $6.7 trillion by 2018, more than the value of any national economy in the world except the United States and China.

Source: www.thenational.ae

Indonesia aims for insurance, takaful legislation in 2014

Insurers in Indonesia, Southeast Asia's largest economy, will have to wait until at least next year for a new law that will require the spin-off of their sharia compliant units, an official at the country's financial regulator told Reuters.

The move could reshape Indonesia's Islamic insurance, or takaful, market by spurring mergers as firms try to meet capital requirements for their full-fledged Islamic units.

A draft law is now with parliament but other legislative priorities means it won't be enacted this year as previously anticipated, said Alis Subiyantoro, head of the sharia insurance subdivision at the country's financial services authority.

"The draft is still in discussion. The government asked to look at other legislation so it was postponed until next year."

"It covers all areas - licensing, market conduct, corporate governance, consumer protection - for both takaful and non-takaful firms," he said.

Assets in Indonesian takaful firms grew 42.8 percent to 13.1 trillion rupiah ($1.1 billion) as of December 2012 from 9.15 trillion rupiah a year earlier, data from the regulator showed, representing 2.3 percent of total industry assets.

The law would give three years for insurers to comply with requirements to spin-off their Islamic units, although that timeframe is also under discussion, Subiyantoro added.

Minimum capital requirements for full-fledged takaful firms would be set at 50 billion rupiah, compared with 100 billion rupiah for conventional insurers, which could prompt smaller operations to either merge or close.

WINDOWS

Indonesia's takaful market is dominated by windows: there were five full-fledged takaful firms versus 37 sharia units of conventional insurers, as of December 2012.

Takaful windows enable firms to offer sharia-compliant and conventional products side by side, provided client money is segregated, but the practice is not widespread as in commercial banking where Islamic windows are commonplace.

Takaful is based on the concept of mutuality; the takaful company oversees a pool of funds contributed by all policy holders, but does not necessarily bear risk itself.

Indonesia's takaful sector has attracted global firms keen to capitalize on rapid economic growth in the world's most populous Muslim country, a market of 240 million consumers.

Firms offering takaful products include Europe's top insurer Allianz, Britain's biggest insurer Prudential, Toronto-based Manulife Financial Corporation, and French insurer AXA.

Passing Indonesia's insurance law would close the last market that allows takaful windows to operate, helping develop the country's nascent Islamic finance market which still lags behind neighbor Malaysia.

The only other regulator that has allowed takaful windows is Pakistan, which passed a law in July of last year to that effect but which has been challenged in court by local takaful firms. The law has been in legal limbo ever since.

Source: Reuters

Halal Research Council and KPK Agriculture University Signed Agreement

A strategic partnership agreement signing ceremony between Halal Research Council (HRC) and KP Agriculture University was held on Thursday in which the experts from food, nutrition, livestock and other Industries were participated. According to the agreement, Halal Research Council and KP Agriculture University will provide joint consultation, training, research and technical assistance to each other for the promotion of Halal industry especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. 

The strategic partnership agreement was signed by the Chief Executive Officer of Halal Research Council Muhummad Zubair Mughal, Professor Dr Khan Bahadur Marwart Vice Chancellor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Agriculture University and Professor Dr M Subhan Qureshi-Dean Faculty of Veterinary Sciences. 

As per the agreement, Halal Research Council will provide international linkages and Halal certification services to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Agriculture University in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Halal related industries. Professor Dr Khan Bahadur Marwart Vice-Chancellor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Agriculture University, addressing the agreement signing ceremony, said that nowadays distinction between Halal and Haram has become a big issue and organisations like Halal Research Council has smoothen this issue for general public through its expertise. 

He further added that due to this agreement between Halal Research Council and KPK Agriculture University, Halal Industry in Pakistan and particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will progress rapidly. Professor Dr M Subhan Qureshi Dean Faculty of Veterinary Sciences said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has a specialty that livestock is in abundance here. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is a mountainous area, hence, meat is available in excess here relatively to dairy; and substantial amount of profit can be earned by exporting meat in the international market with Halal logo. 

Muhummad Zubair Mughal the Executive Officer of Halal Research Council said that the Halal Research Council's agreement with KPK Agriculture University will be a milestone in the development of Halal Industry, due to which educational and training efforts along with trade and advancement in Halal sector can be further strengthened. He said that Pakistan's Shariah values are acknowledged all over the world. If we export Halal meat, poultry, dairy, confectionery, spices and other food products from Pakistan to international market, then they will be highly recognised due to our Shariah values. 

Channeling Halal food potential

AnalysIs - Halal industry is a fast emerging business in the world, attracting both Muslims and non Muslims, especially non Muslims due to realising the importance of halal food. As expert have opined that they are safer, hygienic, nutritious, having high quality and reliability. Halal food is consumed not only by 1.5 billion Muslims around the world, but also by at least 500 million non-Muslims, which shows that there is a big scope to enter in the halal food industry, to tap the world market. It is estimated that the annual halal food and non food products market is about $2.1 trillion of which about $80 billion is being exploited, which is 5 per cent of total trade of agri-food products. However, halal food trade may have a share of 20 per cent of world trade in food products in near future. While the market for about 1.4 billion Muslims already exists, the demand for halal products is now on the rise across the globe.
Due to lack of awareness about halal products in Pakistan, we hardly have any share in the global market of $600 billion. The Thai consul general in Pakistan said over 1,800 factories are producing 57,000 different halal food products for exports after acquiring Halal Certification from authorities with advanced research facilities. There is great scope of setting joint venture in halal food sector between Pakistan and Thailand. He assured all possible help in setting up joint ventures with Pakistani companies.

Chile a hub for Halal Food

Chile's ambassador in Malaysia said the number of halal certified Chilean companies had grown from 25 to 45 within the first quarter of this year. It was claimed that the country can compete with any country as its halal products are of high quality. Chile had exported many of its halal meat products to other Islamic countries including the Middle East and Muslim African countries. 

Halal units in China

In Ningxia, China, Muslims account for around 38 per cent of the province’s 6.3 million residents. The province recently announced that it had developed a halal industry to accommodate not just the needs of Chinese Muslims but also Muslims in other countries.
Ningxia’s halal food commission said that the province had more than 10,000 factories and restaurants that were certified halal products. The region’s halal industry, which is supported by a high tech laboratory, 15 experts and 300 staffers, was currently worth up to 50 million RMB.

Engro expanding Halal Trade

Engro intends to acquire Al Safa Halal unit. It will target the existing North American market, Canada and USA. Pakistan and Malaysia have decided to utilise various options available under the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to boost economic relations and broaden the scope of bilateral trade, signed in January 2008. Pakistan Malaysia Business Forum is exploring opportunities for joint ventures in sectors such as agriculture and halal industry which offered better returns and greater scope for growth given a growing demand for quality food and halal products in the region. 
Zubair Motiwala, Chairman Sindh Board of Investment (SBI) said that Pakistan is going to start issuing halal certification by March, 2012.
He said the SBI in collaboration with Halal Industry Development Corporation, Malaysia, is working to develop halal industry and is committed to effectively implement the provisions of the MoU signed between the two parties on Dec 1, 2010, in Kuala Lumpur, for development of Halal sector in Pakistan. Pakistan can benefit from the halal standard, advance scientific knowledge and research experience of Malaysia for developing and promotion of its halal products industry. Pakistan is the sixth largest milk producer, eighth in meat and tenth in poultry had a negligible share in the world halal food and services market. 
However, Pakistan is trying to develop halal services such as finance and banking and could easily develop other products in sectors like pharmaceuticals, insurance, etc. 
The experts say that the important factors are the standardisation and certifications of halal brands and logos which would make Pakistan hub of halal trade for the world and for the region, due to the proximity of Middle East and central Asian countries. 
Moreover, halal food should be made tasty and pleasant with no chemicals and nice looking to attract consumers the world over and to compete haram food that is being made attractive for consumers to capture markets.

Export potential

Pakistan can earn huge amount by investing into halal meat and exporting it after meeting local demand. European market size of halal food is about $66 billion while France having the largest share of $17 billion alone, stated by the Vice Chancellor University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. He also said that only in UK the halal meat sale is amounting to $600 million annually while the American Muslims spend $13 billion on halal food per annum.
The livestock contributed 55.1 per cent to the agriculture value added and 11.5 per cent to GDP during 2010-11 while its share last year was 53.2 per cent of the agriculture value added and 11.4 per cent to national GDP during 2009-10.
In the current scenario of devolution under 18th Amendment, the responsibility of livestock development has been shifted to provinces and federal government will play facilitating role in national interest. The future plan for livestock sector is to meet MTDF targets for meat, 5.0 per cent and milk 8.0 per cent production through shifting from subsistence livestock farming to market oriented and commercial farming with a focus on entire market chain. The future plan also includes entering into global halal food trade market. 
Zubair Motiwala, Chairman Sindh Board of Investment (SBI) said that the Pakistan is going to start issuing Halal certification by March, 2012.

Halal food certification system

The ministry is planning to create a halal food certification system in Pakistan. The system would help the country earn at least $600 million by exporting of halal products. Presently, there is neither halal infrastructure, nor a qualified certifier and whatever is to be exported in the name of halal has to be certified by a foreign inspection body, mainly Malaysian companies.
On August 18, a MoU was signed between Halal Research Council and Faisalabad Industrial Estate Development (FIEDMC) for the establishment of M-3 Halal Park at the estate. It will be Pakistan’s first Halal park and from here Halal products can conveniently be exported. Such parks already exist in Malaysia, Yemen, Britain and Russia.
A state-of-the-art facility is being set up by PAMCO costing $300 million with the cooperation of Iran, M-3 Halal Industrial Park at Faisalabad. A Halal Laboratory would also be set up at University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS), Lahore. 
An industrial park is proposed to be set up in Karachi to facilitate growth of an export oriented halal business. The park will be a cluster of halal business industries to be built in a special zone where they will be provided infrastructure and halal related support services. For this purpose, the SBI has signed a MoU with the Halal Industry Corporation (HDC), Malaysia in December, 2010 at Kaula Lumpur.
The ministry of commerce imposed a ban on export of meat and live animals in July 2011 for three months to bring down the prices of beef and mutton which were becoming unaffordable for the common man. Although it was said that the purpose of the ban is to provide relief to the consumers but officials said that the decision was taken to meet the demand of Pakistan Tanneries Association (PTA) whose members were facing the problem of shortage of hides and skins and high prices of raw materials, due to export of animals. They said exports of leather products fetch much more foreign exchange than those of live animals.

Export of meat products
According to the Federal Bureau of Statistics, Pakistan’s export of meat and meat products touched the figure of $153.8 million in 2010-11, showing an increase of $99.3 million over the previous year. The official statistics indicated that 95,523 live animals were exported during 2010-11, July-March. About 153,543 animals were exported in the previous fiscal year which included 48,680 cattle, 50,000 buffalos, 54,716 goats and 147 camels. These were exported to Arab countries, Central Asian states and Afghanistan. There is no clash of interest between the two industries. The ban should have been restricted to animals only, sparing the meat. The export of tanned leather increased from $341.8 million a year ago to $462.3 million in 2010-2011 and that of leather products rose from $458.6 million to $540.5 million.
Malaysia’s Department of Islamic Development has approved the Islamic Foundation Bangladesh (IFB) as a Halal certification body and, Bangladesh will soon start exporting halal food and other products, competing with Pakistan in this sector, besides textiles. The IFB has been included in the list of halal certification bodies worldwide, i.e. Bangladesh would take its share from the $660 billion global market for halal food.

Emerging global market
The emerging global halal food market has plenty of opportunities for further growth. Thus, the market represents a strong economic opportunity for Pakistan and Thailand. The Thai government has lent the industry valuable support in developing a world class halal logistics system. Thailand is currently the world's sixth largest exporter of halal food, accounting for $5 billion in international trade and providing food to 1.8 billion Muslims in over 157 countries. As a large Islamic nation with strong agricultural base and good relations with Muslim countries Pakistan may be a leading player in halal food trade. 
Punjab Industrial Estate Development and Management Company (PIEDMC) and the Government of Malaysia have signed a MoU for the promotion of halal product projects, which will help Pakistan in boosting halal products’ exports. Pakistan is among the top five milk and livestock producing countries in the world. Therefore, Pakistani businessmen can avail this opportunity. PIEDMC Chairman S M Tanveer pointed out that the dairy and livestock sectors currently performs well below its true potential. Pakistani halal food, which also includes poultry products, has vast export potential in European and other Western countries. The exports can be enhanced manifold in future, provided the sector receives official recognition. The private sector exporters of halal food said through adopting modern techniques and bettering sanitary certification procedures, the halal food exports could fetch more than $100 million in next two years for Pakistan, besides other products. - See more at: 

Source: 

Pakistan Today

Tunisia has big potential for Islamic Finance: Zubair Mughal

Tunisia would be the global hub of Islamic Finance for French speaking countries

Zubair Mughal, CEO, AlHuda CIBE Speaking at International conference "The Enterprise and Finance", which is jointly organized by World Bank, IMF, IFC & European Bank of Reconstruction and Development at Sousse – Tunisia

Muhammad Zubair Mughal, being the guest of honor, during his address he stated that international financial crisis can be addressed in a better way through Islamic Finance and such financial crisis could have not been happened if Islamic financial system was followed and implemented at that time, he said there are about 2000 Islamic Financial Institutions working globally as Islamic Banks, Takaful ( Islamic Insurance), Sukuk ( Islamic Bonds), Islamic Fund and Islamic Microfinance institutions etc in more than 100 countries and fortunately no Islamic Financial institution was effected by such global financial crisis which ensures the strength and rationality behind the Islamic financial system. He also added that international institutions such as Islamic Development Bank (IDB), Accounting and Auditing Organization of Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI), Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB) and International Islamic Liquidity Management (IILM) are dedicatedly working for Islamic finance around the globe which will further promote and strengthen the Islamic finance in future globally. He, responding to a question related to the relationship between religion and Islamic finance in question answer session, said that Islamic banking and finance is a name of a system not religion so all other religions can get benefit from it and that is why Islamic banking and finance is growing in the western world while non Muslims are utilizing the Islamic financial products, considerably, to fulfill their business, personal and financial needs as in only America which has more than 20 Islamic financial institutions are working, which are actively providing the Islamic financial services to fulfill the financial needs of Muslims and non-Muslims equally.

During his stay in Tunisia, he met with Dr. Amel Amri, President – Tunisian Association for Islamic Finance (TAIF), Dr. Raza, President – Islamic Economic Association Tunisia and heads of some other Islamic financial institutions. He said that Tunisia has a good recognition in Islamic financial industry having 2 full-fledged Islamic banks, Takaful companies, universities with having Islamic finance program, Sukuk Laws and some other similar institutions which are indicating the best future of Islamic finance in Tunisia but he, realizing the need of Islamic microfinance, said that Islamic microfinance is missing component of Islamic finance in Tunisia while socioeconomic development and poverty reduction can be done in better way through Islamic microfinance in Tunisia.

Global Halal Meat Market volume reached up to $ 300 billion: Zubair Mughal

Brazil, America, Australia and India have substantial market share in Halal meat Industry.

(Lahore) Halal meat market is growing rapidly throughout the world and its demand is increasing day by bay, Pakistan ranked 18th in the production of Halal Meat Market and its volume is only 2.9 % of the global Halal meat production which is very low, These views were expressed by Muhammad Zubair Mughal, Chief Executive Officer-Halal Research Council, he mentioned that Pakistan can play pivotal role in this growing market because Pakistan have more than 160 million quality live stock including 71 million Cattles & Buffalos and 89 million goats & sheep’s. He pointed out that there is no Muslim country is included in the list of first ten Halal meat exporters, although Pakistan, Sudan and other Muslim countries have big potential of exporting Halal meat globally. He said Halal meat is not only the name of meat but more than 26 Halal industries are also based on bi-products of Halal meat e.g. Casings, Bone crashing, Gelatin, Sausages, leather and other industries are associated with it. He further explained that to strengthen the Global Halal meat industry, Halal Research Council is going to organize an international workshop on Halal Meat which will be scheduled on 26th August, 2013 in Dubai – U.A.E. In which renowned expert, Prof. Dr. Javaid Awan - Agriculture University Faisalabad, Nasib Ahmad Saifi - Chief Executive Officer- Anis Associates Pvt. Ltd and other International speakers will limelight the need and importance of Halal Meat, Fundamentals of Halal certification, Animal welfare and stunning, Impact of Halal slaughtering on meat quality, Pre- and post-slaughtering procedures, Global market and demand for Halal meat, Strategies to increase the share of Halal meat in global meat market, Livestock management for Halal meat, Slaughterhouse automation - machinery, tools and training and Utilization of halal meat in the production of processed and semi-processed food items. The main aim of this Int’l workshop is to promote the trade and importance of Halal Meat at International level. Halal meat exporters, Veterinary Doctors, Shariah Scholars, food technologists and hotel industry will get benefit through this workshop. Halal Research Council (HRC) is a Pakistan based think tank working for the development of Halal Industry through research, advisory, advocacy, market intelligence & Capacity Building. HRC working globally with the help of 28 International strategic partners which are based in USA, U.K, Kenya, Malaysia, Pakistan, Spain, Germany, India, Bangladesh, Sweden and other countries.

Pakistan a small player in global halal meat market

LAHORE: 

Pakistan is one of those countries in the world where climatic and other conditions support the livestock industry, but this industry lacks modernisation and is still a long way from becoming a leading player in the rapidly growing global halal food market.

In an attempt to give a boost to the industry, the government has made some efforts in the past few years, especially in Punjab, where the Punjab Agriculture and Meat Company (Pamco) has been established. However, it has yet to give desired results.

The private sector has been involved in this industry, but not aggressively because of issues like taxation, freight rates, energy crisis, etc. The industry needs modern and hygienic slaughter houses that can meet international standards for export of chilled or frozen red meat to countries where demand for halal meat is growing.

Pakistan is ranked 19th in terms of meat production with an annual output of 2.2 million tons. In the three-trillion-dollar halal product industry of the world, the meat segment is worth $600 billion. Pakistan’s share in it is only $115 million.

Meat exporters believe that this figure can be tripled with the right policies.

“The industry is in its initial stages in Pakistan, with literally 0% contribution to the global industry, we need relaxation in taxes, less interference from provincial departments and a clear policy to boost the industry,” said Nasib Ahmad Saifi, Chief Executive Officer of Anis Associates, a sister concern of Saifi Group, while talking to The Express Tribune.

The group is one of the largest exporters of meat in Punjab, whose export revenues have crossed $15 million annually.

“Rising tax rates, zero rebate, high freight charges and above all energy crisis are hitting us hard, otherwise our company has the potential to at least triple its export volume,” Saifi said.

He believed that total meat exports of the country could reach $500 million if the government started taking interest in this industry. Citing the example of India, he claimed that the neighbouring country, which is not even an Islamic state, was exporting halal meat worth $23 billion annually just by properly organising the industry.

He highlighted smuggling of live animals to Afghanistan and Iran as another problem that has been hitting the livestock market.

According to Pamco, around 2.5 million live animals worth $1.4 billion are smuggled every year, dealing a damaging blow not only to domestic meat sales, but also to exports.

Saifi stressed that if smuggling was brought under control, the export of red meat would grow and prices would also come down in the country.

This will also provide a boost to the local leather and tannin industry which will have access to high quality hides at lower cost. In fact it has been a long-standing demand of the local leather industry to limit livestock exports and to promote meat exports.

Source: Tribune

Pakistan can be superpower of world Halal market: Malaysian Minister Haji Abdul Malik Kassim

Exports of meat from Punjab to Malaysia have picked up recently.

Two months ago, Malaysia’s state minister for religious affairs and domestic trade Haji Abdul Malik Kassim, while on a visit, had stated that Pakistan can play a major role in the global halal meat industry. Halal meat contributes about 16 per cent of total world trade of the commodity.

It is only in recent years that Pakistan has begun to realise the importance and export potential of halal food. In fact no Muslim country features among top 10 halal meat exporters. The market is dominated by multinationals of the western countries. According to a survey, the global Muslim population is around 1.86 billion, which constitutes 30 per cent of the total world population. The volume of overall halal products, which was $635 billion dollars in the year 2010, is estimated to have reached $2 trillion.

Pakistan ranks 18th in the production index of halal meat market and its share is only 2.9 per cent of the global output. That Pakistan can do more is evident from the fact that it has 71 million cattle heads and buffaloes and 89 million goats and sheep.

The government could help raise halal food exports by formulating sound policies in collaboration with the private sector. The existing exports are no match to the country’s annual output of halal meat or its export potential. Local businessmen estimate potential of halal products at $5 to $6 billion, if incentives are provided by the government to encourage export of good quality food products. One may note that India, not a majority Muslim country, is also an active player in the halal food market and its exports have reached $23 billion per annum.

Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry claims that halal meat exports from Punjab have made remarkable progress over the last few years owing to positive steps taken by the provincial government.

The Punjab government has also started work on halal certification which can go a long way in further facilitating exporters of halal products. It is claimed that about 50 halal certified companies have emerged in recent past and are now engaged in export business and that there are also state-of-art halal slaughter houses in the province complying with international best practices.

Some companies are using Australian technology and their beef and mutton plants are equipped with the most updated systems available. Their main customers are from Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Iran.

However, exporters of halal food products complain of a few hardships. They demand they should not be subjected to unjustified taxes and prolonged gas and power loadshedding and be freed from bureaucratic hassles.

Pakistani exporters should also ensure that their products fully comply with the strict safety codes of meat importing countries. Many companies suffer from lack of technical know-how in processing, storing, transporting and marketing of meat and its products. It is for this reason that Halal Research Council (HRC) was recently established and empowered to issue halal certification and assurance programme.

HRC is a Pakistan-based organisation working for the development of halal industry through research, market intelligence and capacity building. It is working globally with the help of 28 partners based in several countries.

A local certification programme pursued by another such body, namely, Halal Industry Research Centre (Shariah Board) is adopting a professional approach to follow Islamic laws. The Centre employs the services of some scholars from Binoria Town, Karachi to determine correct interpretations. If the scholars see no harm in a particular business process, it means the company has complied with all the standards under Pakistan Halal Standards and is issued a certificate.

Pakistan has, meanwhile, approached food importing countries, including the European Union and Gulf countries, to seek recognition as a halal meat exporting country with specific reference to value-added chicken products.

A research report released this month says that global halal food market is set to grow at 4.44 per cent during 2012-2016. One of the key factors contributing to this market growth is the increase in the Muslim population. The market has also been witnessing increasing R&D in halal product innovations.

However, the decrease in the integrity of halal foods could pose a challenge to the growth of this market. The research report by ResearchMoz is based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts from different countries.

Refference: Pak Observer and Daily Dawn.

                 

Halal Accreditation will Introduce Pakistani Products around the Globe

The Role of Pakistan National Accreditation Council (PNAC), in this regard is commendable which will help in the growth of Halal Exports:  Zubair Mughal

(Lahore) The step of introducing Halal Accreditation Scheme by Pakistan National Accreditation Council (PNAC), Federal Ministry for Science and Technology is commendable which will help introducing Pakistani Halal products globally hence will increase the exports as well. These words were expressed by Mr. Muhammad Zubair Mughal, Chief Executive Officer – Halal Research Council in a seminar on the topic of Halal in Lahore. He said that due to non availability of Halal accreditation in Pakistan, Pakistan’s Halal Certification Agencies were facing many difficulties at national and international level. He said that despite this fact that Pakistan is facing different international propagandas, there is a positive side that Pakistan’s Religious prestige and authenticity is endorsed and highly recognized all around the world and international communities gives vital importance to products certified & Exported by Pakistan along with the Halal label. He said that this accreditation will not only help Pakistan to increase the exports of Halal food, meat, dairy products, chemical beverages and spices but also would help to promote the non food products like Halal Cosmetics, Chemicals, gelatin, pharmaceuticals and Halal Tourism. He further added that Pakistan Standard and Quality Control Authority have issued two standards, PS: 4992–2010 and PS: 3733–2010 in which PS: 3733-2010 relates to management and procedure of Halal food for Halal Food industry whereas PS: 4992-2010 is related to general procedure of Halal Certification Institutions. He said that Halal Research Council is a registered institute under Joint Stock Company Act, 1860 which primarily works for Halal Certifications, Research & Education, Training, Advisory and Consultancy whereas its strategic partners are providing the services of Halal certification in Malaysia, Italy, UK, Philippine and Mauritius.

MoU signed Between Halal Research Council and Malaysia

The ceremony held during International Conference on Halal Industry at Expo Centre Lahore and Zubair Mughal, CEO, Halal Research Council Pakistan and Haji Abdul Malik Kassim, State Minister for Religious Affairs & Domestic Trade Penang- Malaysia.

Lahore (Press Release) “International Conference on Halal Industry” was organized today at Expo Centre, Lahore – Pakistan. The conference was inaugurated by Haji Abdul Malik Kassim, State Minister for Religious Affairs, Domestic Trade & Consumer Affair Penang Govt.- Malaysia in which speakers and researchers from America, Australia, U.A.E., Romania, U.K. and South Africa participated to deliver their valuable knowledge& Research about Halal Industry. The point of interest was the MoU signing ceremony between Halal research Council and Malaysia for the promotion of Halal industry, the establishment of Halal Industrial Park, the easy availability of Pakistani Halal products in Malaysian market and the exhibition of Pakistani Halal certified products in Malaysian market.

Addressing to the audience, Haji Abdul Malik Kassim, Religious Affairs, Domestic Trade & Consumer Affair Penang Govt.- Malaysia said that the MoU signing is a very significant occasion. He further added that Halal food market is very rapidly increasing market and Malaysia is playing a momentous role in this regard. During the occasion, Muhammad Zubair Mughal, Chief executive Office, Halal Research Council, Pakistan said that the MoU will prove to be a bridge between Pakistan and Malaysian market through which we will be able to brand our products on International platforms. He said that the main purpose of this conference is to introduce Pakistan among international market so that it could play its technical & Shariah role in this highly distinguished market of more that one trillion dollars worth.

Many national and international speakers delivered their valuable research works and speeches on this international conference in which Haji Bill Yahya Ibrahim Aossey, Founder and Senior Director, Regional Representative Islamic services Of America America, Engr. Shaukat Hussain, Director General, Pakistan National Accreditation Council (PNAC), Islamabad, Pakistan. Mr. Alaa Kamal, Regional Representative, Of Islamic Service of America Dubai, Dr Muhammad M Khan, Food Technologist, (Canada), Executive Director, Halal Australia Halal Consultant Australia, Mr.Dorin Ecea, Development of the Halal Industrial Park, Halal Assets Council in Romania, Romania, Haji Abdul Malik Kassim, Minster of Religious Affairs, Penang- Malaysia, Mr.Hamid Ahmad, Halal Slaughter and Animal Welfare, Ex-Principal Scientific Officer, Biotech. and Food Research Centre, Pakistan Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (PCSIR), Lahore, Dr.Hamid Talil, Chief Executive officer, Lahore Meat Company, Lahore, Dr.Shazad Afzal, Director, Pakistan Standards & Quality Control Authority, Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of Pakistan, Lahore, Dr. Zubair Usmani, Shariah Advisor, MCB Limited. Pakistan, Capt. M. Jamil Akhtar Khan, Managing Director, Universal Insurance Company, Mr.Raheel Iqbal, Chief Executive Officer, Halal Industry Research Centre, Karachi-Pakistan. Prof. Dr. Faqir M. Anjum, Director General, National Institute of Food Science and Technology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad- Pakistan, Prof. Dr. Javaid A Awan, Country Director, Islamic Food & Nutrition Council of America, Dr .Shahid Raza, Chairman, Bio world Forum. Pakistan, Mr. Mashood Ahmed Siddiqui, Manager products, Vectra foods, Karachi-Pakistan, Dr. Muhammad Jamil Khattak, Chairman Department of Microbiology & Biotechnology Kohat University, Pakistan and other speakers participated their thoughts on Halal Industry, Halal Food, Halal Tourism, Halal Slaughtering and Halal Banking etc. It is to note that Halal Research Council is an organization working nationally and internationally on Halal certification and accreditation, research and education.

Islamic Microfinance should be Introduced Internationally: Dr. Fatima Al-Blooshi

(Dubai) Islamic Microfinance is an effective tool for the poverty alleviation and it should be introduced around the globe to state an effective policy for ultimate poverty alleviation from the world, these views were stated by Dr. Fatima Mohamed Yousif Al-Balooshi, Minister (Ministry of Social Development – Bahrain) as a Chief Guest in the 3rd Global Islamic Microfinance Forum (GIMF) held on 6th to 8th October, 2013 at Dusit Thani Hotel, Dubai in which delegates from more than 30 countries participated actively and this Forum was organized and conducted by AlHuda Centre of Islamic Banking and Economics (CIBE). She also added that Islamic Microfinance should be presided and supported by the Government in different countries of the world to promote the Islamic Microfinance Institutions. She also admired the endeavors of AlHuda CIBE at the inauguration of 3rd Global Islamic Microfinance Forum on 6th Oct, 2013 and also proposed to conduct the 4th Global Islamic Microfinance Forum in Bahrain.

Muhammad Zubair Mughal (CEO – AlHuda CIBE), addressing to the Forum, said that Poverty is increasing in the Muslim countries rapidly and consequently the half of the world poverty has, approximately, been confined to the Muslim countries in the current age. The involvement of interest in micro financing is one of the major causes behind this phenomenon and that is why Muslims hesitate to avail microfinance facility. If Islamic Microfinance is not introduced resolving this issue, the world’s poverty will increase extraordinarily. He said that the forum aimed at gathering all the Islamic Microfinance Institutions at single platform, to streamline the policies for poverty reduction, to promote the Research and Education in Islamic Microfinance industry and to enhance its outreach on global canvas. He said that current facts to the failure of microfinance system require an alternative and prudent Islamic Microfinance system to the world to enhance the financial inclusion globally and ultimate global economic prosperity.

Addressing to the forum Mr. Mr. Hamdan Mohamed Al Murshidi (President & Chairman of the Board, Arab Business Club, United Arab Emirates) said that there is no other argument to address poverty through Islamic Microfinance as it is the ultimate solution to this problem and also he committed with his reward less services to promote Islamic Microfinance globally. While Mr. Amjad Saqib (Executive Director – Akhuwat) said that Islamic Microfinance is a Hope for the Poor which they (poor) are looking forward to resolve their Social and Economic problems, so Islamic Microfinance should be promoted globally. He, by presenting Akhuwat as a case study, figured out that there are about 380000 families benefitting through Qarz e Hasana from Akhuwat. Meanwhile its portfolio has crossed PKR. 5 billion with an increasing trend day by day.

The forum was attended by Researchers, Scholars and Islamic Microfinance practitioners including: Justice (R) Khalil Ur Rehman (Shariah Advisor – AlBaraka Islamic Bank, Chairmen – Punjab Halal Development Agency – Govt. of Pakistan), Mufti Aziz Ur Rehman (Manager-Shariah, Mawarid Finance – Dubai), Dr. Ajaz Ahmed Khan (Microfinance Advisor, CARE International UK), Mr. Atef Ebrahim (Chief Executive Officer, Family Bank - Bahrain), Mr. Zeinoul Abedien Cajee (Founding CEO/ Management Board, National Awqaf Foundation of South Africa), Mr. Mamode Raffick Nabee Mohomed (Founder/ Secretary, Al Barakah Multi-purpose Co-operative Society Limited – Mauritius), Ms. Rehab Lootah (Managing Director - Mawarid Consultancy Dubai - U.A.E), Mr. Mohamed El Mehdi Zidani (Author - An Islamic Analysis of the Grameen Bank and Director Baraka Editions – France), Mr. Pervez Nasim (Chairmen & CEO, Ansar Financial and Development Corporation – Canada), Mr. Abdul Samad (Shariah Advisor, The Bank of Khyber – Pakistan), Mr. Humayun Saeed Jamshed (Senior Director - Islamic Banking & Finance, SAB – France), Mrs. Thamina Anwar (Founder and CEO, Awqaf New Zealand Mrs. Helena Lutege (Founder and Managing Director, BELITA Fund – Tanzania), Mr. Ali Tariq (Executive Director, Iraqi Microfinance Network – Iraq), Dr. Mohammed Kroessin (Global Microfinance Advisor – UK), Mufti Barkatulla (Sharia Advisor, Islamic Bank of Britain, London, UK) and some other prestigious international speakers addressed in this forum.

ASEAN Countries have big potential for Islamic Finance: Zubair Mughal

(Manila - Philippines) There are multiple opportunities in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries to promote Islamic Finance, through which Halal Industry can be flourished rapidly in the region. These views were expressed by Muhammad Zubair Mughal, Chief Executive Officer, AlHuda Centre of Islamic Banking and Economics (CIBE) during his speech at “First National Halal Forum” in Manila which was organized by Department of Science and Technology, Government of Philippines at a local hotel (Shangri-La Makati) on 29th- 30th October, 2013, in order to grow Halal Industry and Economy on both regional and international level. 

During his address to the Forum, he stated that Islamic Finance and Halal Industry are complement to each other. Micro and Small Medium Enterprises (MSME’s) can be energized by utilizing Islamic Finance concept in the region which will be cause to reduce in poverty and ultimate socio-economic prosperity in the ASEAN member Countries. He, presenting an analysis on ASEAN countries (Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, Loa PDR, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam), stated that the approximate total population of ASEAN countries is 600 million including the Muslim Population more than 40% (240 million) which is a potential indicator for Islamic Finance growth whereas in Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam already have significant contributions in Islamic Banking, Takaful, Sukuk and Islamic Funds, while Philippines and Thailand are being considered as future potential markets for Islamic Banking and Finance in ASEAN countries. 

He explained that Islamic Banking and Finance is the system not a religion which can be utilized by Muslim and Non-Muslims to get absolute benefits from the best services of Islamic Banking and Finance as its best example is the South Africa where Muslim population is less than 2% of the whole population but it has more than 5 Islamic Banks, 13 Islamic Funds and 2 Takaful companies working actively, which are equally famous among Muslims even non-Muslims communities because of their best practices and services. He said that Philippines is an important country of the region with having 100 million populations, approximately, containing Muslim population by more than 7% which bears it out that there are momentous chances for the promotion of Islamic Finance and, apparently, government of Philippines found active in this concern and it will, definitely, energize Islamic Banking and Takaful in result. He also stated that government of Philippines can generate financial resources for national level mega projects by utilizing the concept of Sukuk (Islamic Bonds). 

National Halal Forum continued for two days at Manila where experts from different countries of the world participated including Pakistan, Turkey, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand.

International Trade can be enhanced through Halal Certification : Muhammad Zubair Mughal

The Global Halal Market size of 1.8 billion Muslim population is $ 3.2 trillion.

Zubair Mughal (CEO - Halal Research Council) Speaking about “Halal Certification Process” at “International Halal Accreditation Forum 2013” which was held on 25th – 26th October, 2013 at Istanbul by the Govt. of Turkey. This forum was inaugurated and chaired by H.E Tayyip Erdoğan, Prime Minister, Republic of Turkey. — at İstanbul Congress Center / İstanbul Kongre Merkezi

(Istanbul) The importance of Halal Certification is being well-known because of rising awareness with Halal in Muslim societies which is increasing the Halal Certified products and services rapidly and finally international trade can be enhanced in the Halal marker having a size of $ 3.2 trillion of 1.8 billion Muslim population, these views were expressed by Muhammad Zubair Mughal CEO – Halal Research Council (HRC) during the speech at International Halal Accreditation Forum (IHAF) jointly organized by Turk AK, Ministry of European Union Affairs and SMIIC under the supervision of Turkish government on 25th and 26th October, 2013 at Istanbul in which delegates from more than 60 countries participated.

He also said that there are more than 300 Halal Certification bodies working in more than 125 countries while Halal certification is not only the name of business rather a big religious responsibility and on its basis, millions of people use these products discriminating the Halal and haram but a minor ignorance can cause a damage to the Shariah. In Islam Halal and haram is not only confined to the Food industry rather its scope covers the Services (Islamic Banking, Halal Tourism and Halal Business etc), Cosmetics and Physical (Touchable) items. He also pointed out that non-Muslims have 82% control over Halal industry which is the unsafe phenomenon for the Muslims having only 18% share in the Halal industry. He, presenting Pakistan as a Case Study, said that there is viable environment in Pakistan for Halal Industry in which Halal Laboratories, Halal Meat Complex, Halal Accreditation Scheme, Government facilitations and well known Educational Institutes and schools for Food Industry are included that is why the majority people, having more than 50% control on Halal Certification belong to Pakistan and also facilitating in Halal Certification in America, UK, Germany, Australia, Canada, Norway, Switzerland, Belgium and Spain which is an authentic source of availability of Halal Products for Muslims.

Tayyip Erdoğan – Prime Minister of Turkey, addressing to inaugural ceremony of International Halal Accreditation Forum (IHAF), welcomed all the international experts of Halal Industry came from different parts of the world and expressed his well wishes for the success of Forum. Remember, IHAF itself was the first initiative on Halal Accreditation of Halal Certification Industry.     

Takaful has global potential, say experts

Dubai: The takaful industry has huge potential to join the mainstream insurance business outside Muslim countries as a viable alternative to conventional insurance, say experts.

The global takaful (Islamic insurance) industry, which has a relatively small share of about $17 billion (Dh62 billion) in underwritings compared to the $3 trillion held by the mainstream industry, needs to attract wider audience and underwrite insurance requirements of larger businesses, said delegates at the Global Islamic Economy Summit 2013.

“There are a large number of big businesses such as huge infrastructure projects, oil and gas installations and power projects including nuclear projects coming up in the region,” said Fareed Lutfi, Secretary General of Emirates Insurance Association.

“Currently the takaful industry’s role in underwriting big-ticket risks is minimal while the industry is focused mostly on life and family takaful, motor insurance and relatively small businesses. This situation calls for creation of larger re-takaful companies that have the capital size to cover larger size risks.”

While the creation of new takaful giants is a solution, industry players said the merger of existing players and the entry of insurance multi-nationals into the business could help the industry to achieve critical mass in the Islamic re-insurance business. “Currently there are just 16 re-takaful companies,” said Firas El Azem, General Manager of Takaful Re. “These companies have the capacity to cover small- to medium-size risks. But when it come to larger risks the size is a constraint and it needs to be addressed.”

The total size of the insurance business in Islamic countries is estimated at $80 billion, with takaful accounting for less than $20 billion (including the industry in Iran). Industry representatives said that while there is huge growth potential for the takaful industry within the core markets such as the Middle East, Africa and south-east Asia, industry representatives said, takaful should look beyond the 1.2 billion Muslims and appeal to a wider global audience.

“In Malaysia, the Chinese populations constitute a big component of the takaful customers,” said Sohail Jaffar, Deputy CEO of FWU Global Takaful Solutions. “In the UAE there is a growing segment of non-Muslim takaful customers such as non-resident Indians. The industry should offer innovative insurance solutions that are competitive.” While Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Malaysia hold the lion’s share of the takaful market, the acquisition of market share has not necessarily translated into profitability in many instances. Panelists at the summit said most takaful companies in the region are relatively young and are at the early stage of their business development. Most operators have yet to achieve critical business volume despite incurring substantial establishment costs over their formative years.

Industry representatives said there are a number of untapped business areas such as the private pension market, insurance-linked products in education and longer-term saving schemes. However, all agreed that the GCC region requires comprehensive regulatory reforms to tap into these business segments. “Private pension schemes are virtually non-existent in the region,” said Hatim Al Tahir, Director Islamic Finance Knowledge Centre, Deloitte. “This is an area where takaful has huge growth potential if right regulatory framework is in place.”

Given the short-term nature of the work contracts of expatriates in the region, experts suggested that regulations should be tailored to suit portability of insurance schemes to their home markets or offshore financial centres.
Refference: gulfnews.com/business/banking/takaful-has-global-potential-say-experts-1.1259741

A New Venture Established to Strengthen Islamic Finance in France and USA

(Dubai - UAE) A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed between Al Huda Center of Islamic Banking and Economics (CIBE) and Franco-American Alliance for Islamic Finance (FAAIF) to cooperate in the development of Islamic banking and finance in France and the United States. Both parties agreed to work together, leveraging their different areas of regional and professional expertise of Islamic finance and synergizing their skills for the broader goal of promoting and developing Islamic finance worldwide, especially in the Franco – American region. 

MOU Signing Ceremony held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates today, in which Muhammad Zubair Mughal, Chief Executive Officer of Al Huda CIBE and Camille Paldi, Chief Executive Officer of FAAIF signed the agreement. During the media briefing, Camille Paldi mentioned that she is excited to bring Islamic financial services, training, and expertise to her home country the United States after having spent many years’ education & training abroad in Islamic finance, law, and Shari'ah. With her strong knowledge of Islamic banking, finance, Shari'ah, and law, Paldi hopes to impact the financial services sector in the USA, helping to boost the economy and steer the nation in a new direction. Paldi is excited to utilize her international network to help achieve this purpose, starting with this MOU with AlHuda CIBE. 

While discussing the importance of this MOU, CEO of AlHuda CIBE, Zubair Mughal said that this is the right time to introduce Islamic financial solutions to the Western world so that they may explore the option of solving financial dilemmas and crises with Islamic financial instruments, derived from the Holy Book. Zubair said that AlHuda CIBE will extend their scope of services in European and American markets through the help of FAAIF. He also mentioned that AlHuda's services in these regions would include Islamic finance product Development services, sukuk structuring, Takaful development, and Shari'ah advisory. He also mentioned that Alhuda CIBE already has a very strong professional network in Central Asia, the Middle East, and African regions, but through this MOU, Moghul plans to extend their scope in the American markets as well. 

AlHuda CIBE is a well-established brand in the international Islamic finance and banking industry focusing on Advisory, Consulting, Capacity, and Shariah Advisory services, while FAAIF is an emerging Alliance of Franco – American financial experts, which is headed by renowned legal and Islamic financial expert Camille Paldi.

Tajikistan certifies halal food

"[Eating halal food] is one of the main rules for observing Sharia," Council of Ulema Deputy Chairman Abdulbasir Saidov told Central Online.

Six Tajik food producers already meet the new standards, said Narzullo Sharipov, chief of Tajikstandart, the government agency for overseeing compliance with various standards, and the food is expected to gain prevalence.

The government developed the halal standard over the past two years with help from the Tajik Council of Ulema, the Health Ministry, the Committee for Religious Affairs and the Agriculture Ministry Veterinary Service, as well as by reviewing neighbouring countries' experience, Sharipov said.

Halal food may not contain any haram (forbidden) components, such as pork or meat from animals slaughtered by suffocation, electrocution or a blow; and a Muslim must perform the slaughter, pronouncing Allah's name during the process, Saidov said.

The requirements apply across food categories, including meat, bread, baked goods, dairy products and non-alcoholic drinks, Tohir Mudinayev, another Tajikstandart official, added.

"Permission to use the halal label for one year is granted by a special Tajikstandart committee, including specialists from Tajikstandart and from the Tajik Council of Ulema," Sharipov said. "Today, Tajikstandart quite strictly monitors certified Tajik halal producers' compliance with the requirements. They have to sell off all their older food before using the label."

Both producers and consumers to benefit

Two factors drove Tajikstandart to develop its own halal standard, Sharipov said. First, some food carrying haram components – like genetically modified organisms and chemical dyes – appeared; second, customers demanded it.

Although Tajikistan previously produced and imported food called halal, no official Tajik body set a standard, meaning some food might have been called halal by mistake, he said.

The Council of Ulema welcomes the move, Saidov said.

"Many Tajik residents constantly run into the problem of buying halal food," he said. With limited producers and distributors of halal food and no proper certification process, consumers in the past often turned to foreign suppliers. "First, this impairs the growth of Tajik producers, and secondly, imported food costs much more," he said.

Enforcing the standards will give consumers "some sort of a guarantee … against dishonest producers," Akhad Sadykov, a journalist who writes commentary on religious matters, told Central Asia Online.

"Producers of halal food are working not just to make some money but also to improve their image," he said. "This is particularly important in Tajikistan, where most of the population is Muslim."

Locals react favourably

Many Tajik producers were complying with halal requirements even before the government issued a standard, 29-year-old Dushanbe resident Sitora Nazarova told Central Asia Online.

"For a long time now, I have been buying only meat and dairy products labelled 'halal.' … My husband strictly adheres to the requirements, so our family observes them all," she said. However, she said she is happy it will now be regulated.

Abdudzhalol Shodiyev, who has been producing "Pokiza" sausage for 15 years, marked his products as halal almost from the start.

"Though Tajikistan hadn't adopted the standard when I started making sausage, as a devout Muslim, I observed all the requirements," he said.

Shodiyev intends to expand production now that the standard has taken effect. "I'm thinking about re-equipping the entire plant to meet the new requirements," he said. "I think the cost will be high but recoverable, because the demand for halal food is growing in Tajikistan every day."

One place selling halal food is the modest-sized Mekhrob shop, which has enjoyed a strong reputation for many years. Last year the shop owner performed the Hajj. Now, with the introduction of the official halal standard, he has decided to sell only halal food.

"All our food, which is mainly produced in Tajikistan, meets the halal standard," shop assistant Nosir Khamdanov said.

D’Light Bread House & Café gets halal certification

MIRI: The D’Light Bread House & Café at Riam Commercial Centre received its Halal certification from the Sarawak Islamic Religious Department (Jais), Miri last Wednesday.

Outlet manager Jenny Kong said the certificate was officially presented to the outlet during a fast-breaking ceremony organised for Jais Miri.

Present to hand over the certificate to outlet director Lana Lim was Jais assistant director-general (Northern Zone) Ustaz Jamaludin Taim.

Being one of the fine restaurants in Miri, D’Light Bread House & Café offers a whole range of local dishes, which includes Daging Masak Rendang, Mee Jawa, Nasi Goreng Kampung, Lelapan.

“We also serve western meals like lamb chops, chicken chops, fish and chips, pizzas and pasta,” said Jenny.

Located at Riam Commercial Centre, Hilltop Garden, D’Light Bread House & Café also caters for private functions such as birthday parties, theme parties, club dinner, and any special occasion.

Buffet dining can also be held at the restaurant upon request. The restaurant opens daily from 7am to 10pm.