He urges global unification of halal standards and stronger Islamic economic integration to position Makkah as the hub of the Islamic economy.

By Sadiq Abdulfatah

Sheikh Abdullah Saleh Kamel, Chairman of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD), has emphasized that the halal economy has become a strategic pillar in building an integrated Islamic economy, serving as one of the two main wings of development alongside Islamic finance.

“The halal economy is the next engine of growth for the Islamic world,” he stated, calling for the global restructuring of the halal system and unification of its legislation and institutions to strengthen the position of Islamic countries in the international economy.

Speaking at the 41st session of the Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (COMCEC) in Istanbul on Sunday, Sheikh Kamel made these remarks during the conference inaugurated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the Istanbul Congress Center.

The session was attended by ministers of economy and trade from member states, as well as leaders from various Islamic and international organizations.

Sheikh Kamel explained that the ICCD is implementing the 2030 strategy to enhance economic integration among Islamic countries by empowering the halal and Islamic finance sectors—both considered key pillars of the modern Islamic economy—while also revitalizing institutional efforts in entrepreneurship and sustainable development.

He expressed special appreciation to Minister of Commerce Dr. Majed Al-Qasabi for his continued support of joint initiatives, particularly the Makkah Halal Forum, which he described as one of the Islamic Chamber’s most significant upcoming projects.

Sheikh Kamel noted that the minister’s support reflects Saudi Arabia’s vision to position Makkah as a global hub for the Islamic economy and its authentic values.

The ICCD president urged member states to invest in human capital and youth and to unify their efforts toward achieving Islamic economic integration based on authentic values that contribute to global development. He reiterated that the halal economy is a key driver of future growth and a cornerstone for sustainable global economic leadership.

Sheikh Kamel further explained that the concept of halal extends beyond a religious notion, evolving into a comprehensive global economic system rooted in divine values of production and consumption. He observed that this system is rapidly expanding due to rising global demand for products and services that combine quality with ethical responsibility.

Highlighting Saudi Arabia’s leading role in advancing the global halal economy, he praised its innovative initiatives that bolster the standing of Islamic countries in this vital sector.

He particularly commended the Public Investment Fund’s initiative to establish a specialized company for developing halal products, describing it as a strategic move to balance the global equation and build a Saudi industry with strong international influence.

He concluded by underscoring that the Makkah Halal Forum serves as a global platform bringing together decision-makers, investors, and experts from across continents. The ICCD, he said, is working to develop it into an annual gathering that reflects Saudi Arabia’s leadership in establishing Makkah as a global center for the Islamic economy and its authentic values.

The forum aims to unify standards, build strategic partnerships between public and private sectors, and foster innovation in halal products, financing, and global marketing.

Source: Saudi Gazette