The Istanbul Halal Expo 2024, held from November 27 to 30 at the Istanbul Expo Center, was a landmark event for the global halal industry. Organized under the patronage of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), this premier trade show brought together over 450 exhibitors from 45 countries, attracting thousands of visitors eager to explore halal-certified products and services.
For Afghanistan, the expo marked a significant milestone as 30 Afghan companies participated for the first time, showcasing a diverse range of products including mineral stones, handwoven carpets, dried fruits, and nuts. This debut offered Afghan businesses a unique opportunity to highlight their strengths, forge valuable partnerships, and position themselves within the thriving halal market.
Afghanistan’s Participation
Afghanistan’s presence at the Istanbul Halal Expo 2024 was more than symbolic. It was a practical step toward integrating the country into the global halal economy. The event provided a platform for Afghan businesses to connect with over 120 countries, many of which expressed keen interest in Afghanistan’s high-quality products.
The halal economy, encompassing industries such as food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, fashion, and tourism, is currently valued at over $7 trillion. With the global Muslim population projected to reach 2.5 billion by 2030, the demand for halal-certified goods and services continues to rise. This creates immense opportunities for countries like Afghanistan, which boast natural resources, artisanal expertise, and a deep cultural heritage.
Afghanistan’s exhibition booths featured some of its most iconic and high-quality products, drawing significant interest from international buyers.
1. Mineral Stones: Afghanistan’s vast mineral reserves include precious and semi-precious stones such as lapis lazuli, emeralds, and rubies. These stones, renowned for their purity and craftsmanship, were highly sought after by manufacturers and designers.
2. Handwoven Carpets: Afghan carpets, celebrated for their intricate designs and durability, were among the star attractions. Discussions with Turkish and American buyers revolved around direct exports, with Turkish partners proposing to handle processing and distribution to streamline global sales.
3. Dried Fruits and Nuts: Afghanistan’s agricultural exports, including almonds, raisins, pistachios, and walnuts, stood out for their organic quality. Buyers appreciated the authenticity and superior taste of Afghan produce, highlighting the potential for growth in agricultural exports.
Strategic Partnerships
Afghanistan’s participation in the expo wasn’t limited to product displays. The event also featured critical discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral trade ties and fostering investment opportunities.
Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi, the Acting Minister of Industry and Commerce of Afghanistan, held talks with Turkey’s Minister of Trade, Ömer Bolat, focusing on enhancing economic cooperation. Key areas of discussion included:
- Energy: Exploring renewable energy projects.
- Technology: Leveraging digital innovations for trade facilitation.
- Oil and Gas: Opportunities in extraction and export.
- Construction and Logistics: Addressing infrastructure development and supply chain efficiency.
- Mining and Textiles: Expanding exports in resource-rich and labor-intensive sectors.
The discussions culminated in an agreement to form technical committees dedicated to improving trade and communication between the two nations. This step is expected to increase trade volumes, which stood at $94 million in the first ten months of 2024.
Business-to-Business Interactions: Afghan entrepreneurs also engaged with international buyers, including delegations from the United States, Turkey, and Europe. These interactions focused on:
- Expanding the market reach for Afghan carpets.
- Direct sourcing of agricultural products such as sesame seeds and cumin.
- Collaborative projects in mineral processing and export.
Afghan business leaders emphasized the value of the Istanbul Halal Expo 2024 in creating opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Azmuddin Khanjani
“This expo was of great importance,” said Khanjani, an Afghan businessman. “Representatives from 120 countries participated, and they showed significant interest in Afghanistan’s high-quality goods and fruits. The platform allowed us to connect with potential buyers and investors who appreciated the uniqueness of Afghan products.”
- Saber
Saber, another Afghan entrepreneur, remarked: “We had fruitful discussions with American businessmen and Turkish traders. Direct carpet exports were a key focus, with Turkish partners offering to manage processing and logistics to improve efficiency.”
The Afghan-Turk Business Association
The Afghan-Turk Business Association, based in Istanbul, played a pivotal role in facilitating Afghanistan’s participation at the expo. The association worked closely with Afghan companies to maximize the benefits of their involvement.
Ezatullah Sadat’s Leadership: The association’s president, Ezatullah Sadat, highlighted the importance of such platforms in fostering economic growth. “Cooperation with traders should increase, and more programs, conferences, and expos should be organized to help Afghanistan’s trade grow,” Sadat said.
He also outlined steps to improve trade infrastructure:
- Enhancing logistical networks for smoother exports.
- Providing training on international trade standards.
- Building stronger ties between Afghan businesses and global buyers.
Afghanistan’s trade with Turkey has shown steady growth. In 2024:
- The total trade volume between the two nations reached $94 million by October.
- Afghan exports accounted for $21 million, comprising items like sesame seeds, raisins, cumin, almond kernels, and cowhide.
Potential for Growth
Afghanistan has significant untapped potential in various sectors:
- Agriculture: Organic produce such as dried fruits and nuts can meet the rising global demand for halal food.
- Handicrafts: Afghan carpets and textiles remain highly valued in international markets.
- Natural Resources: Leveraging Afghanistan’s mineral wealth can drive industrial partnerships.
Afghanistan and the Global Halal Economy
One of the challenges Afghan businesses face is aligning their products with global halal certification standards. This is a critical step for gaining access to lucrative markets in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
Participation in international trade fairs like the Istanbul Halal Expo provides Afghan businesses with:
- Greater visibility among global buyers.
- Insights into emerging trends and consumer preferences.
- Opportunities to build long-term trade relationships.
Cultural Diplomacy Through Trade
The expo also served as a platform for cultural exchange, showcasing Afghanistan’s rich heritage alongside its economic offerings.
Honoring Mawlana Jalaluddin Mohammad Balkhi
A notable highlight was the presentation of a commemorative coin minted in honor of Mawlana Jalaluddin Mohammad Balkhi (Rumi) to the Afghan delegation. This gesture underscored the historical and cultural ties between Afghanistan and Turkey.
The Istanbul Halal Expo 2024 highlighted the growing importance of the halal economy and the opportunities it offers for emerging markets like Afghanistan.
1. Connecting Buyers and Sellers: The expo facilitated connections between Afghan businesses and global buyers, paving the way for future collaborations.
2. Promoting Afghan Excellence: By participating in the expo, Afghan companies demonstrated the quality and authenticity of their products, building trust with international stakeholders.
3. Driving Economic Growth: The event underscored the role of trade fairs in driving economic growth and fostering international cooperation.
Challenges
- Logistical Barriers: Limited infrastructure for transportation and storage.
- Certification Issues: Lack of a robust halal certification system in Afghanistan.
- Market Knowledge: Limited awareness of global consumer preferences.
Opportunities
- Infrastructure Development: Investing in processing and storage facilities.
- Government Support: Streamlining export procedures and providing financial assistance to exporters.
- Regular Participation: Consistent involvement in international trade fairs.
Investing in Trade Infrastructure: Improving transportation, storage, and processing facilities will enable Afghan businesses to meet international standards and expand their reach.
Fostering Collaboration: Building partnerships with countries like Turkey can help Afghanistan access global markets and attract investment in critical sectors.
Expanding International Engagement: Continued participation in events like the Istanbul Halal Expo will enhance Afghanistan’s visibility and credibility in the global halal economy.
The Istanbul Halal Expo 2024 marked a turning point for Afghanistan, offering its businesses an unparalleled opportunity to showcase their products, engage with global buyers, and explore new markets. With 30 companies representing diverse industries, Afghanistan demonstrated its potential to compete in the thriving halal economy.
As Afghanistan builds on this success, it must focus on strengthening its trade infrastructure, aligning with global standards, and fostering international partnerships. By doing so, Afghanistan can unlock its full potential in the global halal market, contributing to economic growth and national prosperity.