The Islamic Center for Trade Development's Assistant Director-General, Mamadou Boucar Sal, stated that Tunisia has significant potential for developing its halal products and services trade. He made this statement during the opening of the first International Halal Forum in Tunis. Sal emphasized the need to further develop the halal product certification system and facilitate Tunisian institutions' access to foreign markets.
The main products and services traded in this sector include food industries, olive oil, fishing products, financial services, tourism, and cosmetics. Sal noted that developing this sector in Tunisia requires strengthening the halal certification system for food products and supporting their exports. He also suggested developing tourism services, communications, and logistics.
Sal proposed establishing a higher halal council under the supervision of the Ministry of Trade and Export Development. This council would bring together various stakeholders, including the Tunisian Union of Industry, Trade, and Traditional Industries, the Foreign Investment Promotion Agency, and the Export Promotion Center. The goal is to coordinate efforts and develop the halal economy.
The Assistant Director-General of the Islamic Center for Trade Development also called for organizing trade exchanges and investments between Tunisia and countries worldwide, particularly those in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. He emphasized the need to further develop Islamic finance by issuing regulatory texts and laws.
The President and Director-General of the Export Promotion Center, Mourad Ben Hussein, highlighted the opportunities available to Tunisian institutions for developing the halal economy. He noted that Tunisia aims to play a bridging role between European and African markets. Currently, around 40 institutions in Tunisia are active in the halal economy, up from 20 in 2023.
Tunisia is a candidate to host the 2027 Global Halal Summit, organized by the Islamic Organization for Metrology and Standards. The Export Promotion Center is working with the Ministry of Trade and Export Development to host this international event. The summit is expected to promote Tunisia's halal products and services.
The Minister of Trade and Export Development, Samir Obaid, emphasized the need for a competitive Tunisian-African offer for halal products. He stressed the importance of coordination between various stakeholders, including the state, institutions, professional structures, universities, and research centers. The ministry will continue to support Tunisian institutions in developing halal trade and promoting cooperation.
Key points
- Tunisia has significant potential for developing its halal products and services trade.
- The country aims to play a bridging role between European and African markets.
- Tunisia is a candidate to host the 2027 Global Halal Summit.
