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World Halal day on its eighth year

by Luqmaan Rawat

World Halal Day will be running for its eighth year and indicates a promising economy

Durban – The eighth edition World Halal Day will take place in Durban between 22 and 24 March. The event will be held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre. It is a collaboration between Trade and Investment KwaZulu-Natal (TIKZN) and United World Halal Development (UNWHD).

Speaking at a pre-event press conference, Sihle Zikalala, KZN Premier, spoke highly of the Islamic economy and its growth over the past few years, whereas the traditional economy has seen a slight decline. Zikalala said the country is ready to tap into the huge Halal sector of the European Union and believes the “Halal economy will remain a very attractive economy for years to come”. 

Contrary to widespread belief, the Islamic economy does not only focus on food as Zikalala noted. But on a variety of things, including clothing, cosmetics, business and much more, which ensures that this economy will continue to expand. 

The Halal market is not a “small time market”. Mohammed Jinna, chairman of the United World Halal Development, indicated the Halal market is a $6.3trillion market and has been growing steadily every year. There is an enormous potential for South Africa, and indeed Africa as well, to invest in it. Jinna has great hope the Durban Halal market will move in the right direction and benefit the country as well. The next step is to take this sector to the global market.

A long-time misconception across the world is that Halal goods are meant for the Muslim community exclusively. It is this notion that has slowed down the Halal market. Ebrahim Patel, minister of Trade and Industry, who brought the idea of the Halal sector to the government in 2005, said that notion is now disappearing as “global Halal food demand doesn’t only come from the Muslim community but also those who are health conscious”. 

The United States and China were pointed out as countries with a large health-conscious population. Patel also pointed out that the media and entertainment sector hold a place in the Islamic economy. He made mention of Ertugrul, a hugely popular Turkish series which revolves around the Ottoman Empire and its formation. This popular series proves the world is ready to consume Islamic history and drama shows. 

“It is the highest grossing drama on Netflix and has been translated into seventeen different languages,” said Patel.

Ravi Pillay, KZN MEC for Tourism, mentioned Singapore and how hard work and education has transformed the country from being a fishing village to a tourist attraction. He reiterated that just because a product is Halal “does not mean you have to be Muslim to be involved in the production of it.” The Halal market has seen a 3.5% annual growth. To curb the notion that Halal is only for Muslims, “we have to spread awareness of what Halal means,” said Pillay.

According to Pillay,around forty African countries will participate in the event. It is time to invest in Africa and help Africa grow. Pillay wants South Africa to “expand and explore the ocean economy”.

As technology increases and develops, those who adapt remain as players and those who fail to adapt are left behind. Pillay was glad to see the youth taking to technology.

Ina Cronje, KZN chairman at Trade & Investment, closed the conference, “I’m happy to say it is happening. The Halal sector is hugely important. So many opportunities. So many possibilities in the Halal sector. The Halal industry is not just about food and beverages. It reaches very wide. Lifestyle, drama, logistics, halal business operations, education. It is not just about food. It is not just about Muslim people. It is the way we live, the way we do business and of course the way we build the economy.” 

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