Gambiaj.com – (Istanbul, Turkey) — The Gambia’s Minister of Trade, Baboucarr O. Joof, represented President Adama Barrow at the 10th World Halal Summit and Expo held in Istanbul, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to advancing the global halal industry. The event, themed “A Decade of Halal Success: Uniting Vision, Shaping the Future,” gathered industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to explore collaboration and innovation within the halal economy.

Delivering a statement on behalf of President Barrow, who also serves as the Chairman of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Minister Joof underscored The Gambia’s efforts to position itself as a key player in the halal sector.

He emphasized that the country’s initiatives align with ethical and sustainable practices while aiming to foster economic growth and strengthen international partnerships.

“The Government of The Gambia, through the Gambia Standards Bureau, has implemented several measures to enable the private sector to tap into the thriving global halal industry,” Joof stated. These measures include adopting halal standards developed by the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC) and promoting them through training and sensitization programs.

The Gambia has also conducted assessment activities to ensure compliance with halal food standards, laying a strong foundation for local businesses to access international markets.

Minister Joof highlighted tourism as a cornerstone of The Gambia’s economy and announced plans to integrate halal tourism into the sector. “Given that tourism is one of the main contributors to The Gambia’s GDP, we are working to diversify the market by developing halal tourism services standards. This initiative aims to attract visitors from Muslim-majority countries and boost trade in tourism services among OIC nations,” he added.

The Minister concluded his address with a call for unity and shared ambition within the halal industry. “As we celebrate a decade of halal success, let us continue to unite in our vision for a prosperous future. Together, we can shape the halal landscape and create opportunities for all,” he said.

The World Halal Summit and Expo serves as a premier platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas and promote innovative solutions, marking a significant milestone in the global halal movement.