Regional cooperation gains momentum

Kyrgyzstan has expressed readiness to develop a joint halal industry with Azerbaijan, according to Almaz Kairbekov, Director of the State Institution “Center for Halal Industry Development” under the Ministry of Economy and Trade of Kyrgyzstan, as reported by Trend.

Speaking at the Halal Business Forum in Baku, Kairbekov emphasized the importance of cooperation between Kyrgyzstan alongside Azerbaijan in the halal industry field, noting that Azerbaijan’s participation in international standards plus forums has provided strong momentum to the sector’s development across the region.

SMIIC framework enables regional collaboration

Kairbekov highlighted that the two countries are collaborating within the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC), which has helped engage other nations, including Türkiye, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, in promoting halal products on global markets.

The director stated that Azerbaijan is making significant progress in developing the halal industry, expressing hopes to expand cooperation while jointly strengthening professional expertise.

He also pointed out Azerbaijan’s active involvement in international exhibitions plus forums, including the current one where Kyrgyzstan is represented alongside Azerbaijan.

Kairbekov underlined that the halal industry encompasses not only food production but also tourism, cosmetics, banking services, broader economic integration.

He expressed readiness to work together with Azerbaijan in what he described as a challenging but noble mission for humanity’s benefit, conveying gratitude for Azerbaijan’s achievements plus support.

Understanding the halal economy

The halal industry includes food, medicine, cosmetics, fashion, tourism companies that produce plus sell Islamically compatible goods alongside services. According to Islamic law, “halal” means “lawful” or “permissible” and receives verification through systems analyzing the full supply chain, from raw materials through manufacture to logistics. The industry experiences growth driven by the expanding global Muslim population alongside consumer demand for ethically made, religiously conforming goods.

Strategic implications for Central Asia

The partnership between Kyrgyzstan plus Azerbaijan represents broader regional efforts to establish Central Asian nations as significant players within the global halal economy. Through collaborative frameworks like SMIIC, participating countries can harmonize standards, share expertise, access larger markets while meeting growing demand from Muslim consumers worldwide seeking certified halal products spanning multiple sectors beyond traditional food categories.

Original Article:

Trend News Agency. (2025, October 7). Kyrgyzstan signals new halal industry partnership with Azerbaijan.Retrieved from https://www.trend.az/azerbaijan/business/4100472.html