In line with the SMIIC Strategic Plan 2021–2030, particularly Strategic Goal 2, which focuses on supporting members’ needs and strengthening stakeholder engagement, and Strategic Goal 3, which aims to enhance quality infrastructure and interconnectivity among member states, SMIIC continues to promote the adoption and implementation of OIC/SMIIC standards.
Within this framework, SMIIC, in cooperation with the Libyan National Centre for Standardization and Metrology (LNCSM), co-organized the Libyan Halal Quality Forum on 25 January 2026 in Tripoli, Libya. The forum brought together key national, regional, and international stakeholders to discuss the development and implementation of OIC/SMIIC halal standards and the strengthening of halal infrastructure in Libya.
The forum was held under patronage and in the presence of the Guest of Honor, H.E. the Minister of Planning, with the attendance of H.E. the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Planning for Strategies and Development and H.E. the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy for Economic Affairs.
The event featured three main technical presentations delivered by senior representatives of leading halal and standardization institutions:
• H.E. Mr. İhsan Övüt, Secretary General of the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC), highlighted SMIIC’s role in developing unified halal standards for OIC member states, the structure of SMIIC halal standards, and the importance of harmonization and mutual recognition in facilitating trade and ensuring consumer confidence in halal products.
• Eng. Ali Bin Zaitoun, Director General of the Libyan National Centre for Standardization and Metrology (LNCSM), presented Libya’s national halal program, emphasizing LNCSM’s role as the competent authority for halal standardization, coordination with conformity assessment and accreditation bodies, participation in SMIIC technical committees, and ongoing efforts to adopt selected SMIIC halal standards at the national level. He also shared practical experiences related to halal certification, verification, and market implementation in Libya.
• H.E. Mr. Zafer Soylu, Director General of the Halal Accreditation Authority of Türkiye (HAK), addressed halal accreditation systems, the role of accreditation in ensuring the competence and credibility of halal certification bodies, and the importance of international cooperation and mutual recognition mechanisms in strengthening global halal assurance systems.
The forum was attended by 137 participants representing public institutions, academic bodies, and private sector organizations. It concluded with a joint panel discussion emphasizing the importance of enhanced institutional coordination, the adoption of internationally recognized halal standards, and the strengthening of Libya’s halal quality infrastructure to support consumer confidence, market access, and sustainable economic development.
