ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb urged Pakistani enterprises on Friday to seize emerging opportunities within the global halal market, as the nation seeks enhanced cooperation with international platforms specializing in Islamic economics and finance.
The remarks were made during a meeting at the Finance Division between Aurangzeb and Shaikh Yousef Hassan Khalawi, Secretary-General of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD). The ICCD operates as an international non-governmental organization affiliated with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), representing the private sectors of 57 Islamic nations through their respective chambers of commerce and member federations.
According to the Finance Division, Aurangzeb underscored the potential for Pakistani businesses to foster deeper engagement and collaboration by leveraging the ICCD’s global platforms and outreach initiatives.
“The finance minister emphasized the necessity of transcending a generalized halal concept to pinpoint specific products, sectors, and markets where Pakistani enterprises can expand and capitalize on new opportunities,” the official statement noted.
Khalawi provided Aurangzeb with an overview of the ICCD’s expanding international outreach, detailing its active engagement with business communities both within and beyond OIC member states.
He highlighted the organization’s ongoing efforts to forge connections between global Muslim business communities and private sector or institutional partners, aiming to advance halal economic cooperation worldwide.
“The discussions centered on the expanding global halal economy and the opportunities available for Pakistan to solidify its presence across various sectors, such as halal food, fashion, tourism, services, and other consumer markets,” the Finance Division added.
Additionally, the finance minister and the ICCD official explored strategies to bolster Pakistan’s Islamic finance ecosystem and enhance partnerships with international entities operating in the realm of Islamic economics and finance.
