Halal Industry Development Until 2030 Discussed at KazanForum

Kazan, May 2025 – At KazanForum 2025, experts, government officials, and representatives of Muslim spiritual boards outlined key priorities for the development of the halal industry in Russia and beyond.

Tatarstan’s Leadership in Halal Development

The session was moderated by Abbyas Khazrat Shlyaposhnikov, Chairman of the Halal Standards Committee of the Muslim Spiritual Board of Tatarstan (DUM RT), who emphasized that since 2020, under the directive of Rais Rustam Minnikhanov, Tatarstan has been systematically working to develop the halal sector. Collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, export centers, and manufacturers has established mechanisms for promoting Sharia-compliant products domestically and internationally.

“Despite global turbulence, we are strengthening cooperation with Islamic countries. Tatarstan remains a leader in investment attractiveness, and the integration of Islamic finance and halal certification is a key part of this strategy,” said Rustem Gainullov, Deputy Minister of Agriculture of Tatarstan.

Halal Industry in Numbers

? Annual halal production in Tatarstan: ~10 billion RUB
? 150+ certified enterprises, including 20+ exporters
? 2024 halal exports: 8 million RUB (dairy, meat, confectionery)
? 2030 goal: $15 million annual exports, with 25-30% yearly growth

Trust & Global Standards

Moteab Al-Mezani, Director General of the GCC Accreditation Center, stressed that transparency and unified standards are crucial for halal credibility:
“Halal means quality, precision, and metrology. Laboratories and certification bodies must follow a single standard—achievable only through international accreditation.”

Ihsan Ovet, Secretary General of SMIIC (Islamic Countries’ Standards Institute), highlighted the need for harmonized halal regulations to eliminate trade barriers.

Indonesia’s Halal Success Story

Ahmad Haikal Hassan Baras, Head of Indonesia’s Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH), shared the country’s 50-year halal regulation journey:
“Halal is not just for Muslims—it’s about quality, safety, and ethics. Though standards differ now, unity is possible.”

The global halal market is estimated at $2.5–2.8 trillion, and Russia, with Tatarstan’s proactive role, is poised to become a major player.

Spiritual Responsibility & Digitalization

Naib Mufti Mukhatay Yermek Khazrat Kasbolatov (Kazakhstan) emphasized:
“Halal is a trust (amanat), not just business. Only Spiritual Boards should certify—not shady organizations.”

A new e-Halal system is being developed to ensure traceability, transparency, and fraud prevention. Aydar Gazizov (International Halal Center) warned:
“Only 5–6 of dozens of halal certifiers meet global standards. We must eliminate ‘paper halal’ that violates Sharia and ethics.”

Key Agreements Signed at KazanForum 2025

1?? DUM RT & GCC Accreditation Center – Mutual recognition, expert exchanges.
2?? Tatarstan Halal Committee & Kyrgyzstan – Joint halal industry development.
3?? Tatarstan & Belarus – Simplified halal trade, aligned standards.

Belarus, a major dairy and meat exporter, will now enjoy smoother halal trade with Russia, boosting a $2B+ agro-export potential.

Conclusion: A Unified Halal Future

The forum set a 2030 roadmap for:

• Standard harmonization

• Digital certification (e-Halal)

• Stronger international partnerships

“Our time is short—we must build a halal system our children can be proud of,” concluded Rustam Khasenevich (Belarus Halal Center).