International economic summit “Russia – Islamic world: KazanSummit 2017” takes place in Kazan

International economic summit “Russia – Islamic world: KazanSummit 2017” was opened in Kazan today. Within the framework of the summit a conference of Halal industry with over 100 participants was held. Its topic was unitary Halal standards within the framework of cooperation with Organization of Islamic Cooperation countries. Chairman at the State Counsil Farid Mukhametshin greeted the guests of the forum on behalf of the republican administration.

In his speech the head of the republican parliament noted that year after year Halal market kept developing very fast. “There are about 1.8 trillion Muslims in the world, which is 23% of the population on the planet, where over 20 million Muslims live in Russia. On the whole, this year the global halal market is estimated at 2.1 trillion dollars. By the year of 2025, it is forecasted that its share in the total manufactured products could reach at least 20%. A great part of it – about 1.2 trillion dollars – belongs to the foodstuff industry”, - emphasized Farid Mukhametshin. He also paid attention of the guests to the fact that strict requirements to the quality of halal goods increased demand for it from representatives of other religions as well as from those who stick to a healthy lifestyle. Halal industry is not only food, but also fashion, tourism, media and information. That is why investors are greatly interested in it.

“Tatarstan is at the beginning of its way in development of Halal industry, - said Farid Mukhametshin, - with your support, we would like to carve out its niche on the global Halal market, and I am speaking first of all about the foodstuff market, which meets the Islamic canons and accepted international standards”. In the opinion of Chairman at the State Council, the obvious competitive advantages of Tatarstan are a strong AIC, a well-developed processing cluster and a good infrastructure of control and certification of halal products.

Thus, last year Tatarstan agricultural production made 238.6 billion rubles (the 3rd place in the Russian federation). The republic takes the 1st place in Russia in milk production, the 4th place – in meat production and the 9th one – in grain production. “This allows us not only to meet our own requirements but also to distribute a part of manufactured halal goods to the markets of neighboring regions and even to export them”, - stated Farid Mukhametshin. Taking into account a great share of Muslim people in the republic and in Russia, Tatarstan producers try to meet all necessary quality standards.

“Today more and more people prefer Halal products, - emphasized Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Agriculture and Food of the Republic of Tatarstan Marat Akhmetov in his greeting speech, - halal shops, cafes are opened. Our task is to strengthen this brand and protect it”. Marat Akhmetov estimated Russian halal market at 90 billion rubles. Over 30 enterprises in Tatarstan produce halal goods. Over 25 enterprises are ready to diversify its production.

The conference participants were also greeted by Chairman at the Spiritual Body of Muslims of the Republic of Tatarstan Kamil Samigullin, State Minister of the UAE Dr Rashid bin Akhmad bin Farkhad, Secretary General at the Institution of Standardization and Metrology of Islamic Countries Mr Ikhsan Ovyut, etc.

The conference finished by signing of the Memorandum on Halal standardization in Tatarstan and the UAE between the representatives of agencies.