Islamabad (TDI): OIC Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH) and Embassy of Thailand hosted the International Symposium on “Halal Science and Wellness” at its Secretariat. Rongvudhi Virabutr, Ambassador of Thailand to Pakistan, graced the event as Chief Guest.
The event brought together distinguished international experts, senior officials, diplomats, and representatives from scientific and regulatory bodies across the Muslim world.
Highlighting opportunities for future cooperation, he emphasized that scientific advancements and emerging technologies, such as molecular analysis, contamination detection, blockchain traceability, and AI-enabled risk assessment, can greatly enhance the integrity of halal products and make certification more efficient.
The session opened with welcome remarks by Professor Dr. Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General, OIC-COMSTECH, who highlighted the rapidly growing global importance of the Halal industry, now valued at over USD 1.3 trillion.
He underscored the significance of harmonized Halal standards, scientific testing, and capacity building to strengthen consumer confidence and expand global trade opportunities over growing collaboration with Thailand.
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Speaking as guest of honor, Professor Ihsan Ovut, Secretary General of SMIIC, emphasized the need for harmonized Halal standards developed under the guidance of experienced experts to ensure global uniformity and credibility.
The symposium witnessed participation from over 30 international delegates representing Iran, Somalia, Palestine, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, Bangladesh, Benin, Cameroon, Gabon, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal, alongside a significant number of experts from Pakistan.
Professor Choudhary highlighted the pivotal role of the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC) in developing and harmonizing Halal standards across OIC member states.
He shared that COMSTECH and SMIIC have jointly conducted five regional training programs in Uzbekistan, Uganda, Bangladesh, Morocco, and Pakistan, training over 300 laboratory professionals in Halal product standards and testing.
Professor Choudhary also shared that major project supported by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB): the establishment of a Halal Authentication Laboratory at the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU).
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The facility is expected to become operational early next year and will serve several East African OIC member states. He also announced new scholarship programs for training in Halal Science.
Distinguished speakers included Professor Dr. Pornpimol Mahamad, Director, Halal Science Centre, Chulalongkorn University of Thailand and Akhtar A. Bughio, Director General of Pakistan Halal Authority (PHA).
On this occasion, an MoU was signed between OIC-COMSTECH and the Halal Science Centre of Thailand, aimed at strengthening collaboration in research, capacity building, and Halal science development.
The inaugural session concluded with a group photo, followed by technical presentations and discussions on halal standards, testing methodologies, and emerging trends in the global halal market.
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