A Landmark Experience at the Azerbaijan Halal Business Forum

The first Azerbaijan Halal Business Forum (AZHAB Forum) was a pivotal milestone for me, both personally and professionally. As a representative of the Azerbaijan Food and Beverage Industrialists Association (AQISA), we were given the opportunity to showcase the products of our members. This event was more than just an exhibition—it was an incredible platform for networking, collaboration, and expanding AQISA's influence both locally and internationally.

The forum, held on October 8-9, brought together key players from the halal industry to discuss standards, investment opportunities, and potential collaborations. The event included both a conference and an exhibition segment, with around 30 companies, both local and international, presenting their products and services in various sectors including food, textiles, services, ICT, and education. AQISA proudly participated with five of its member companies—Farko, Herba Flora, I’m Honey, Dolcha Foods, and Payim—who displayed their products at our two stands.

Our stands garnered considerable attention from high-profile officials and international delegates, which further underscored the significance of such events in fostering collaboration across borders. Notable visitors included Mr. Orxan Mammadov, Chairman of the Management Board of KOBIA; Mr. Qoshqar Tahmazli, Chairman of the Azerbaijan Food Safety Agency; and various other officials who recognized the potential of our member companies and the growing halal market in Azerbaijan.

One of the highlights of the forum was the opportunity to meet and network with key figures from the halal industry. I had the privilege of engaging with Mr. Irshad Cader, CEO of Globothink Halal Industry Consultants; Mr. Ihsan Övüt, Secretary General of the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC); Mr. Marat Kabayev, President of the International Assembly of Islamic Business; Ms. Fernando Baltazar, Director for International Relations at the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce; and Mr. Ashraf Qatarneh, Consul of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. These meetings were incredibly valuable, helping to broaden my perspective on the global halal market and its standards.

A key moment during the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the British Islamic Trade Association (BITA), which I facilitated. The decision to approach BITA came from my belief that the UK offers significant trade opportunities, particularly for our halal products. When I learned that the Chairman of BITA would be participating as a panel speaker, I seized the opportunity to propose a partnership. After receiving approval, I drafted an MoU that would benefit both AQISA and BITA, laying the foundation for stronger ties and potential expansion into new markets. This agreement is expected to strengthen AQISA’s international relationships, expand its reach, and provide new growth avenues for our members.

The AZHAB Forum reaffirmed the importance of meetings and networking. As highlighted by my interactions at the event, such collaborations not only promote business growth but also serve as platforms to share knowledge, build relationships, and explore new opportunities in the halal industry. The forum marked an essential step in AQISA's efforts to position Azerbaijan as a growing player in the global halal market, and I am excited to see where these collaborations will lead.

This experience has also reaffirmed my commitment to promoting Azerbaijan’s halal industry, expanding its global presence, and ensuring that our local companies are well-positioned to thrive in international markets. The partnership with BITA is just the beginning of what I hope will be a series of successful collaborations aimed at unlocking new markets and bringing Azerbaijani halal products to the world stage.

Looking ahead, I am excited about the possibilities and the positive impact these efforts will have on the halal industry in Azerbaijan and beyond. The AZHAB Forum not only provided invaluable insights into the halal sector but also opened the door for further partnerships and growth. The future looks bright, and I look forward to continuing this journey of expanding our market presence and driving industry innovation.