ISLAMABAD (UNA) – The joint training course, organized by the Standing Committee for Scientific and Technological Cooperation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (COMSTECH), in collaboration with the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC), the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS), and the Uzbekistan Technical Regulatory Agency (OZTTSA), kicked off in Tashkent on Monday, May 12, 2025, under the title: “Halal Standards and Testing in the OIC: Food, Medicines, and Cosmetics.”
At the opening session of the five-day course, Professor Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Chowdhury, Coordinator General of COMSTECH, delivered a speech welcoming participants from 5 OIC member states who attended in person, along with representatives from other countries who participated remotely.
He emphasized that the concept of halal is deeply rooted in Islamic principles and extends to pharmaceuticals and cosmetics in addition to food. He emphasized the growing importance of halal certification and the standardization of its standards in promoting trade, building consumer confidence, and ensuring compliance with Sharia law.
Chaudhry noted that the global halal market is currently valued at over $1.3 trillion, offering significant economic opportunities for member states. He highlighted the need to build capacity, develop institutions, and establish regulatory frameworks to help member states benefit from this rapid growth. He also praised the pivotal role played by the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC) in developing and unifying halal standards across the Islamic world.
The COMSTECH General Coordinator noted that this training course is the fifth in a series of successful previous courses held in Pakistan, Uganda, Bangladesh, and Morocco. He explained that these courses represent important platforms for exchanging knowledge, developing skills, and enhancing cooperation in the field of halal standards and testing.
He explained that the reverse linkage project launched by COMSTECH between Uganda and Pakistan to establish a halal product verification laboratory at the Islamic University in Uganda has seen significant progress with support from the Islamic Development Bank. He expects the laboratory to begin operating in August 2025, serving the East Africa region.
Chaudhry also presented a number of key programs led by COMSTECH, including the Uzbekistan Country Program, which offers scholarships, joint scientific events, and initiatives dedicated to Uzbek women researchers.
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