International halal fair kicks off in Bosnian capital

By Talha Ozturk

BELGRADE, Serbia (AA) - A three-day international halal industry opened its doors in the Bosnian capital on Thursday.

Anadolu Agency is the global communication partner for the Sarajevo Halal Fair (SHF) organized by Bosna Bank International.

The SHF -- the second-ever halal fair in Sarajevo -- hosts around 100 exhibitors from 36 countries.

Delivering a speech via video conference, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Bin Mohamad voiced hope that the fair would become a traditional meeting point of the halal industry.

"In recent years, the investment potential of the halal industry has been proven. Halal is far beyond being a Muslim-oriented industry. Halal production has now moved to the universal level," said Mohamad.

Among the participants, Israfil Kuralay, the Vice President of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, said that the halal product market in recent years has become a very remarkable market.

Kuralay said that Turkey in the halal food industry grew by nearly 100% each year.

"We are aware of the importance of Bosnia and Herzegovina in this sector. I have the belief that joint investments and projects would be very beneficial," said Kuralay.

The fair will enable the participants from the Balkan countries, including Serbia, Slovenia and Albania, as well as from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia and the EU countries to introduce halal food products.

It will close on Sept. 28 with the Sarajevo Halal Fair Award ceremony for the most successful participants.