Azerbaijan sets 5 strategic directions for developing halal agrarian sector

Azerbaijan has defined five strategic directions for the development of the halal agrarian sector, Minister of Agriculture Majnun Mammadov stated at the Halal Economy for Sustainable Regional Integration event in Baku within the framework of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group's 51st Annual Meeting, Report informs.

The minister made several specific proposals to partners and investors:

"The first is the creation of a unified halal certification and digital traceability system. Investors need internationally recognized and reliable standards. Azerbaijan is ready to take the lead in this area, and we invite you to be a partner in the creation of this system.

The second is the establishment of integrated green halal agroparks. Our goal is to establish export-oriented investment zones powered by renewable energy, combining production, processing, certification, and cold chain logistics.

The third is the development of special financial instruments for the halal sector. It is envisioned to reduce market entry costs and create more favorable opportunities for investors through blended financing mechanisms combining Islamic finance, development bank capital, and direct investments.

The fourth is the strengthening of the integration of halal exports with the Middle Corridor. By prioritizing logistics solutions connecting our producers with Gulf and European markets, we must turn delivery speed into Azerbaijan's competitive advantage.

The fifth and most important is investment in human capital and innovation. Thanks to the training of professional personnel in the fields of food science, quality control, and certification, the quality of our products will be not just a promise, but also a reliable guarantee."

"Our doors are open. Let us together turn Azerbaijan into a leading regional hub of halal production based on ethical principles, high quality, and high profitability," the minister added.