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Economy

Morocco Sets Sights on Becoming a Key Player in the Global Halal Market

Friday 28 June 2024 - 07:33

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The Halal Morocco Forum explores the country's potential for significant growth in the global halal market.

In a bid to bolster its position in the burgeoning global halal market, Morocco recently hosted the sixth edition of the Halal Morocco Forum in Casablanca. Abderrahim Taibi, director of the Moroccan Institute of Standardization (IMANOR), emphasized the untapped potential of Morocco and Africa to expand their footprint in this lucrative sector and influence international halal trade regulations.

Taibi's insights, relayed by Morocco's state press agency, underscore the dynamic growth of the halal market, now estimated to exceed $2 trillion. This market spans various industries, with food and cosmetics being the most prominent. However, Taibi pointed out the challenges associated with raising awareness about the market's significance and the scarcity of resources necessary for ensuring compliance with halal standards.

One of the key issues Taibi addressed was the fragmentation of halal standards and certifications, which complicates the establishment of a unified international system. Despite these hurdles, he highlighted Morocco's progress in developing essential mechanisms to enhance and streamline exports to halal markets. Over the past decade, Moroccan standards have been aligned with those of the Islamic Standards and Metrology Institute and other leading international bodies, providing a robust framework for Moroccan stakeholders.

Hassan El Sintissi, president of the Moroccan Exporters Association, echoed Taibi's sentiments, noting that the appeal of halal products has transcended the Muslim community. Increasingly, consumers regard halal products as superior in quality and health benefits, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. El Sintissi emphasized that global brands now recognize the importance of halal certification in building consumer trust. He cited Brazil, a non-Muslim country, as a prime example of a major exporter of halal products, illustrating the market's expansion and diversification.

El Sintissi further elaborated on the benefits of halal certification, which extends beyond religious compliance to include enhanced traceability and adherence to international cleanliness standards. This dual assurance boosts the competitive edge of businesses in both local and global markets.

The forum also featured insights from Mohammed Zerdoune, Regional Director of the National Office of Food Safety for Casablanca-Settat. Zerdoune underscored the office's pivotal role in Morocco's halal system, detailing their efforts to clarify import control procedures and ensure products meet halal certification requirements. He asserted that the National Office of Food Safety's oversight guarantees strict adherence to halal standards, facilitating the entry of Moroccan halal products into both national and international markets.

A significant milestone of the forum was the signing of a recognition agreement for the 'Halal Morocco' mark between the Moroccan Institute for Standardization and the Halal Authority in Singapore. This agreement, backed by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water, and Forests, marks a critical step in Morocco's strategy to assert itself as a major player in the global halal market.

As Morocco continues to refine its halal certification system and align with international standards, the country is poised to capitalize on the growing demand for halal products, ensuring its place in the global market's future landscape.