The 6th Export Morning on the theme “Halal Products Market: What Opportunities & Prospects for Tunisian Exports?” was held, Tuesday, at the Export Promotion Centre (CEPEX).
CEPEX CEO, Mourad Ben Hassine, said that Tunisia currently has about 40 Halal certified companies, mainly in the agri-food and cosmetics sector. Over 30% of Halal certified products are dates and olive oil, he added.
“Tunisia, with its resources and know-how, is well positioned to make the most of the Halal industry market. Our products can conquer new markets and increase our presence internationally, ” he pointed out.
“To do well in this particular industry, it is important to understand the dynamics of the market and meet consumers’ expectations,” he underscored. “The halal market is experiencing a remarkable expansion worldwide. In 2023, its overall size was estimated at around $7 trillion. This market has experienced an exponential growth in recent years, ” he added.
“Considered as a niche market reserved for Muslim consumers, halal has expanded far beyond this community. This market, which has around 1.6 billion consumers, is still new and is constantly evolving. It transcends geographical, cultural and religious boundaries, thus creating a new market paradigm,” the same source said.
“This growth offers great opportunities for Tunisian companies, not only in the food sector, but also in other areas, namely pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, fashion, tourism, education, and financial services.”
“The Halal label represents a non-tariff measure, mandatory for food products in some countries such as Indonesia. Similarly, It is considered as a component of the country’s food security strategy, promoting agricultural production and also enabling regional development thanks to the quality and safety of food,” said CEO of CEPEX.
Director General of Economic and Commercial Cooperation at the Ministry of Trade and Export Development, Lazhar Bannour, spoke of the overall programme launched by the Department of Trade with all the structures involved, to prepare the “Halal” fair which will be held for the first time in Tunisia, from October 8 to 12.
Although halal products have not been very well developed in Tunisia, particularly in terms of exports and investments, they have a strong potential. Halal products offer great prospects in terms of investment, export and job creation.