UAE- Halal food industry to hit $8.4b by 2020 

(MENAFN - Khaleej Times) The selection of the UAE to chair two major technical committees for Halal standards has reiterated the global significance of the country as an important market and its ascendancy as a Halal hub in the region.

"In recognition of our leading role and expansive experience, the UAE, represented by the Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology, has been chosen to chair the Halal Food Technical committee by Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries, a subsidiary of the Organisation of Islamic Countries," said Dr Rashid Ahmed bin Fahd, UAE Minister of Environment and Water.

The selection also accentuates the importance of the upcoming global Halal trade events, Halal Food Middle East and Halal Congress Middle East, which will be held at Expo Centre Sharjah from December 10 to 12.

"Holding the Halal Middle East Congress 2012 in the UAE has special significance due to the country's well-established economic position and its standing as a regional key market and a logistic hub in the field of Halal food and products' trade and re-export. Halal food and products trade are expected to grow rapidly from 3.6 billion in 2010 to 8.4 billion in 2020," said Dr Rashid bin Fahad.

"Featuring renowned experts and scientists from all relevant fields, this congress is certain to be a key contribution to the enhancement of Muslim countries' abilities to develop the industry of Halal food and products and to improve the tools and mechanisms required to verify compliance with the Islamic Shariah and quality standards so that the growing needs of tens of millions of Muslims around the world for Halal food and products would be properly met."