Azerbaijan Halal Business and Tourism Forum held in Baku

The two-day forum will discuss halal Industry development prospects, standards in this area, investment in the sector and cooperation opportunities.

Azerbaijan Halal Business and Tourism Forum (AZHAB Forum) is being held in Baku for the first time by the organization of the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the State Tourism Agency and the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (SMBDA). The event is supported by "Caspian Event Organisers" LLC, National Confederation of entrepreneurs (employers') organizations of Azerbaijan, organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), International Islamic Business Association, Islamic Chamber of Commerce and development (ICO), statistical, Economic, Social Research and Training Center for Islamic countries (SESRIC), Institute of Standards and Metrology for Islamic countries (SMIIC). T

he forum is attended by officials, experts, representatives of academic circles and international organizations and businessmen from about 20 countries from different regions of the world.

The purpose of the event is to contribute to the establishment of new cooperation in the field of investment and trade, exchange of ideas and experience in the relevant field, and promote the attraction of foreign investments to Azerbaijan.

The Forum began its work by reading verses from the Holy Quran.

Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Azerbaijan Majnun Mammadov, Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation on economic issues Ahmad Kavesa Sengendo, chairman of the Azerbaijan Food Safety Agency Goshgar Tahmazli, Director General of SESRIC Zehra Zumrut Selchuk, Deputy Minister of economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan Samad Bashirli, First Deputy Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Office Haji Salman Musayev, President, President of the National Confederation of entrepreneurs (employers') organizations of Azerbaijan Mammad Musayev, Secretary General of SMIIC Ihsan Ovut and chairman of the board of SME Orkhan Mammadov made speeches. The speakers shared their views on certification of halal products and services, standards in this field, import-export issues, competition in international markets, the role of innovations and technologies in the relevant field, investment opportunities and trends, and prospects for cooperation.

In the exhibition part of the forum, which consists of two parts: a conference and an exhibition, the products and services of about 30 companies from Azerbaijan and foreign countries are demonstrated. The products exhibited at the exhibition mainly cover the food, textile, service, ICT and education sectors.

Moreover, within the framework of the forum, a photo exhibition of the Karabakh revival Foundation “Urbicide in Karabakh” is demonstrated in order to convey to the general public information about the damage caused to the material and cultural heritage of Karabakh, biodiversity and natural resources of the region during the Armenian occupation.

The Forum continues with panel discussions.