Sarajevo: Three-day 'Sarajevo Halal Expo 2025' opened

(Patria) - The three-day "Halal Expo Sarajevo 2025" was ceremonially opened today in Sarajevo's Skenderija, bringing together leading companies, investors, and experts from over 20 countries, with the aim of promoting innovation, encouraging investment, and creating business opportunities in the dynamic halal economy sector.

On behalf of the organizers, Mohammed Sherbi addressed the opening ceremony, emphasizing the importance of such an expo being held in Sarajevo, a place where East meets West.

– Sarajevo deserves to be a place where business is discussed, especially when it comes to the halal industry – Sherbi said, and pointed out that no discussion on this topic in our country can be conducted without the Islamic Community and its Halal Quality Certification Agency, which is the sole authority on these matters.

Therefore, as he stated, this agency is also a co-organizer of "Halal Expo Sarajevo 2025".

– As an Agency, or rather the Islamic Community, it is always in our interest to support and promote halal in every possible way, not only the halal industry but also the halal lifestyle in general. So, in any case, the Halal Quality Certification Agency, as a co-organizer, is always available for such projects – said the Director of the Agency, Dr. Damir Alihodžić.

He reminded that three events related to halal are being organized in Sarajevo these days, so this week can also be called "Halal Week" in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

– In any case, as an Agency within the Islamic Community, we are very, let's say, proud that we have gathered businessmen, on the one hand, and that we have the development of this scientific-research, promotional part related to halal, as well as Islamic finance and investments in BiH – said Alihodžić.

"Halal Expo Sarajevo" was organized with the significant support of the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries, which operates under the organization of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), so Ihsan Ovut, the Secretary General of this organization, also addressed the attendees.

– Today we are here, in Sarajevo, our city of cultural and historical diversity, not only to celebrate our common goals but also to showcase a successful industry and an excellent destination for halal business. To show that Sarajevo is a place where the halal industry has always been promoted – said Ovut.

He reminded that the halal industry today represents one of the fastest-growing segments of the global economy.

– With a Muslim population of two billion people worldwide, the halal industry is gaining importance among both Muslims and non-Muslims, from East to West. This growth offers enormous market opportunities for manufacturers, investors, governments, and strategies, especially as consumer demand becomes increasingly sophisticated – said Ovut.

The expo was also supported by numerous representatives of the diplomatic corps in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Palestinian Ambassador to our country, Rezaq Namoora, addressed the ceremony, particularly emphasizing his joy that Palestine is one of the exhibitors at this expo.

– It is an honor for the State of Palestine to be part of this expo as an exhibitor, as you are aware of the situation in our country. Sarajevo is the Jerusalem of Europe, both in its reality and in the general belief among people. Just as Jerusalem in Palestine is a meeting place for different religions and nations, so is Sarajevo a place where East and West meet. It is important to make the most of this fact, both at the level of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the world as a whole, especially the Arab and Islamic world – Ambassador Namoora conveyed.

Federal Minister of Labor and Social Policy Adnan Delić also addressed the attendees, highlighting the significant support provided to the expo by the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Policy through the Fund for Professional Rehabilitation and Employment of Persons with Disabilities.

– We sometimes talk about people with disabilities, but we rarely take concrete actions, and therefore I want to sincerely and wholeheartedly thank the organizers of this expo who have enabled our institutions to present what they do, primarily the Fund for Professional Rehabilitation, and then our Center for the Care of Mentally Disabled Children and Youth Pazarić and the "Drin" Center – said Minister Delić.

Finally, the envoy of the Reis-ul-ulema and Mufti of the Islamic Community in BiH, Prof. Dr. Ahmed Purdić, addressed the attendees and officially declared the expo open.

– Aware of the Quranic messages, we want to facilitate access to halal for our Muslims in all its aspects, primarily for the consumption of halal products, but at the same time, we support the efforts of our companies that produce halal products to market them domestically and globally. By accessing halal products, our believers complete their faith and live in accordance with their beliefs and conscience. Organizing such expos is one way to achieve this. That is why we look forward to them. We are pleased to see increasing interest from individuals, companies, and public institutions in promoting halal. With their engagement, they confirm that everyone can benefit from the halal industry, and no one can be harmed – said Dr. Purdić.

Over three days, the Expo will host a large number of global, regional, and domestic exhibitors who will present a wide range of halal products and services.

Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the latest trends and innovations in halal food and beverages, cosmetics, healthcare, and tourism.

A special emphasis of this year's expo is on building business connections and partnerships, with a focus on the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

In addition to business opportunities and the presentation of new products, the Expo organizers have also prepared a variety of activities for all visitors.

Within the Expo, an exhibition of Islamic art and a calligraphy workshop have been organized. Visitors will also have the opportunity to participate in a photo contest and knowledge quizzes and win valuable prizes, and gastronomy enthusiasts can sample different flavors at the stands of numerous exhibitors, from exotic spices to traditional delicacies.

The Expo will be open for visits from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.