(MENAFN- Brazil-Arab News Agency (ANBA)) São Paulo – During the opening panel of the 2025 Global Halal Brazil Business Forum, Arab country representatives praised the initiative by the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC ) and FAMBRAS Halal Certification, highlighted the sector's rapid growth in recent years, and spoke about the market's potential, with expansion expected through 2030.

Yousif Alharbi, Deputy CEO of the Saudi Halal Center, opened his speech by saying the forum, now in its third edition, is an opportunity to create global unity around halal, which“is more than a certification-it's a standard that connects nations.”“No country can advance this agenda alone-we all need to work together in this ecosystem to ensure halal endures for future generations,” he concluded.

Hanafy highlighted the role of research in the halal sector

Khaled Hanafi, Secretary-General of the Union of Arab Chambers, thanked everyone present-not only authorities and businesspeople but also scientists, universities, and research centers that contribute to improving halal systems. He pointed out that today this market goes far beyond food, also serving technology and even financial operations.“Moreover, today halal also encompasses the concepts of sustainability and the green economy.”

“Now, we have a USD 2 trillion market spanning more than 60 countries. We can expand these numbers, reaching this moment of transformation here in Brazil, led by the ABCC, representing 22 Arab countries. I invite other chambers to join this movement, following the example of the ABCC, so that we can have an effective system,” emphasized Hanafi.

Brazil as a pioneer


Khalawi highlighted the global scope of the halal concept

Sheikh Yousef Khalawi, Secretary-General of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development, specially greeted those who, like him, took flights of over ten hours to attend the forum in São Paulo-“which shows the global scope of the halal concept.” Khalawi also mentioned the number of sector events: a recent one at a major food fair in Germany, a forum in London in November, and another in December in Bangkok.

“It's just a short list to show that halal is present worldwide, whether in Arab countries or not,” said the Secretary-General, highlighting the pioneering role of Brazilian entrepreneurs, who recognized this demand years ago, making Brazil the current largest halal exporter.

İhsan Övüt attended the opening of the GHB Forum

İhsan Övüt, Secretary-General of the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC), emphasized that halal is not optional but a necessity for the Islamic world, highlighting the responsibility of forum participants toward the global market.“In this forum, we have the great benefit of the top experts on this topic. I am glad to contribute as well,” he said.

The forum is organized by the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC ) and FAMBRAS Halal Certification. GHB sponsors include MBRF (Marfrig – BRF), MODON (Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones), Seara, CaraPreta Carnes Nobres, EcoHalal, Emirates, Grupo MHE9, Laila Travel, Prime Company, and SGS, with catering by Água Mineral Frescca and Pão & Arte Frozen Bread.

Strategic partners include the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD) and Islamic Chamber Halal Services (ICHS). There is also institutional support from Brazilian beef industry group ABIEC, Brazilian Beef, Brazil's chicken and pork lobby ABPA, Brazilian Chicken, International Halal Academy, and the Union of Arab Chambers (UAC).

*Report by Débora Rubin, in collaboration with ANBA

Translated by Guilherme Miranda

Marcelo Brammer/Arab-Brazilian ChamberMarcelo Brammer/Arab-Brazilian ChamberMarcelo Brammer/Arab-Brazilian ChamberMarcelo Brammer/Arab-Brazilian Chamber

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