Bangladesh has initiated comprehensive efforts to maintain international standards for halal products, aiming to establish and expand its presence in Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian halal markets. This strategic focus capitalizes on the significant expatriate Bangladeshi population of approximately 10 million residing in Gulf countries including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait, as well as Southeast Asian nations like Malaysia and Singapore, representing a substantial consumer base for Bangladeshi halal products.

Global Halal Market Dynamics

The worldwide halal market, encompassing products and services compliant with Islamic Shariah law, has become an economic powerhouse valued at USD 7.7 trillion in 2025, with projections reaching USD 10 trillion by 2030. This growth is driven by expanding Muslim populations, increased disposable incomes, and rising demand for ethical and sustainable products across multiple sectors including food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and tourism.

The halal market serves over 1.9 billion Muslims globally, representing 25% of the world’s population, expected to grow to 2.76 billion by 2050. The halal food and beverage sector dominates the market, valued at USD 2.71 trillion in 2024 and projected to reach USD 4,569.69 billion by 2030 with a compound annual growth rate of 9.56%.

International Certification Requirements

Several importing countries have requested Bangladesh to ensure comprehensive halal processes throughout the entire production-to-export chain. To access Saudi Arabian and Malaysian halal markets, Bangladeshi exporters require certificates from multiple authorities including the Systematic Industrial Contractor (SMIC) of Saudi Arabia, Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), and Malaysia’s Department of Islamic Development (JAKIM).

Saudi Accreditation Assessment

A three-member delegation from the Saudi Accreditation Centre (SAAC) visited Bangladesh from July 9-12, 2025, at the Islamic Foundation’s invitation to assess facilities for potential authority delegation. The delegation included Emad Osama H Owaidah (Accreditation Manager), Mohammed Abdullah M Al Arifi (Technical Assessor), and Rakan Al Kahlifa (Islamic Affairs Expert), who conducted meetings with various ministries and the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority.

Bangladesh-Malaysia Collaboration Initiative

Officials from Bangladesh and Malaysia have committed to collaborative efforts in expanding halal product markets and developing comprehensive halal ecosystems. A significant meeting occurred on December 12, 2024, between the Islamic Foundation’s Halal Certification Department and delegations from Serunai Malaysia and the Islamic Development Bank at the foundation’s Dhaka headquarters.

The Reverse Linkage Project between Bangladesh and Malaysia focuses on developing diagnostic mission halal ecosystems through knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and expertise sharing. This initiative aims to enhance the Islamic Foundation’s halal certification efficiency and accelerate halal ecosystem development through international cooperation.

Regional Market Competition Analysis

India demonstrates significant success in halal exports despite being a non-Muslim-majority country, serving as one of the world’s largest halal meat exporters, particularly buffalo meat, valued at approximately USD 3.2 billion in 2024. India’s success stems from robust livestock resources, strategic trade policies, and government support through initiatives like the India Conformity Assessment Scheme (I-CAS) – Halal.

Pakistan is simultaneously pursuing a major halal meat export agreement with Malaysia, potentially generating USD 200 million over five years, positioning itself as a key international halal economy player.

Market Growth Drivers and Technology Integration

Key growth factors include the rising Muslim middle class, particularly in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, with halal food consumer spending reaching USD 1.38 trillion in 2024. Technological advancements, including blockchain for supply chain transparency and e-commerce platforms, have enhanced market accessibility, with online halal sales growing at 15% annually.

Strategic Implementation Requirements

Business leaders emphasize that Bangladesh must focus on strategic planning, quality production, and effective marketing to capture the potential USD 3.3 trillion global halal-certified products market. Coordinated efforts among all production and marketing stakeholders are essential for boosting export earnings and establishing Bangladesh as a competitive player in the international halal market.

Original Article:

RisingBD. (2025, July 28). Halal industry in Bangladesh has huge potential: Expert. https://www.risingbd.com/english/interview/news/113961