Saudi Arabia Elevates Halal Industries with Inauguration of Makkah Halal Forum

The Makkah Halal Forum, held in line with the directives of higher authorities, is a testament to the collaborative approach involving various stakeholders.

In a bid to fortify its commitment to the burgeoning halal industry, Saudi Arabia inaugurated the Makkah Halal Forum at the Makkah Chamber of Exhibitions and Events Center. The esteemed event was officially opened by Dr. Majed Al-Qasabi, the Minister of Commerce, signifying the kingdom’s dedication to fostering and advancing halal industries both domestically and globally.

The inaugural session of the forum witnessed the presence of Sheikh Abdullah Saleh Kamel, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, along with officials from various countries and specialists in the field of halal industries worldwide. The forum served as a melting pot for insights and discussions on the critical importance of halal industries in the broader economic landscape.

Dr. Majed Al-Qasabi, in his address, underscored the special significance of halal industries and emphasized Saudi Arabia’s unwavering commitment to supporting and localizing the halal products industry. He highlighted the kingdom’s robust efforts in strengthening and developing the global halal system, aligning with the goals outlined in the Saudi Vision 2030.

Saudi Vision 2030, a transformative initiative, outlines strategic goals and performance indicators to diversify the Saudi economy. Dr. Al-Qasabi emphasized the collaborative efforts of the public, private, and non-profit sectors in realizing these goals under the governance of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs (CEDA).

The Makkah Halal Forum, held in line with the directives of higher authorities, is a testament to the collaborative approach involving various stakeholders. Dr. Al-Qasabi mentioned the active participation of the business sector, chambers of commerce, the private sector, the Halal Products Development Company owned by the Public Investment Fund, the National Industrial Development and Logistics Services Program, the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization, and the Saudi Food and Drug Authority.

The forum aligns with the vision of translating Saudi Vision 2030 into achievable plans, relying on innovative work mechanisms. Dr. Al-Qasabi emphasized the importance of integrating public and private sectors, facilitating the transformation of goals into a tangible reality that influences national development and economic diversification.

Highlighting the role of the private sector, Dr. Al-Qasabi stressed the complementary role it plays in identifying challenges and proposing solutions. The collaboration between the public and private sectors, according to him, facilitates the realization of goals, supporting the momentum of national development and economic diversification envisioned in Saudi Vision 2030.

Sheikh Abdullah Saleh Kamel expressed gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman for their unwavering support to the commercial and economic sectors. He acknowledged the instrumental role of Minister of Commerce Dr. Majed Al-Qasabi in supporting the Makkah Chamber and its projects, fostering collaboration between the government and private sectors.

The Makkah Halal Forum holds special significance as the first of its kind, creating a platform for international dialogue and collaboration. Sheikh Kamel praised the forum, recognizing its role in supporting integration between the private and public sectors, fostering international partnerships, and promoting the concept of halal industries.

The second day of the forum featured 11 speakers participating in sessions that delved into various aspects of halal industries. The session titled “Creativity in targeting new segments of customers” explored the importance of expanding the customer base, demographic and behavioural shifts, innovative marketing strategies, and the role of technology and innovation in reaching new segments.

The Makkah Halal Forum stands as a testament to Saudi Arabia’s commitment to becoming a global center for halal products and services. As the kingdom actively engages in international dialogue, the forum serves as a catalyst for advancing halal industries, promoting innovation, and fostering economic growth in alignment with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.