The Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC) participated in the International Halal Forum of Tunisia, organised by FIBGN Global Business Network on 29–30 September 2026 at the Centre for Export Promotion (CEPEX) in Tunis, Tunisia.
Representing SMIIC, two representatives attended the Forum and contributed to its opening ceremony. SMIIC representatives delivered opening remarks and made a presentation introducing SMIIC, its institutional mandate, activities, and contributions to the development and harmonisation of halal standards among OIC Member States.
The Forum brought together representatives from approximately 20 countries, including Türkiye, Malaysia, Indonesia, South Africa, China, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Ghana, Togo, Tanzania, the Republic of Congo, the Republic of Korea, Switzerland and France. Participants included diplomatic representatives, public institutions, international organisations, private sector stakeholders and halal certification bodies.
The event was organised with the participation of several prominent institutions, including the Mufti of the Republic of Tunisia, the Tunisian Ministry of Commerce, CEPEX, the OIC Islamic Centre for Development of Trade (ICDT), the Union of News Agencies of the OIC (UNA-OIC), the National Institute of Standardization and Industrial Property of Tunisia (INNORPI), and the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM).
Throughout the Forum, discussions focused on strengthening international cooperation and expanding halal trade opportunities. Dedicated country sessions explored potential trade corridors between Türkiye and Tunisia, Malaysia and Indonesia, and South Africa and Tunisia. Particular attention was given to the potential of Tunisian agri-food exports, including extra virgin olive oil, and opportunities to enhance trade relations with OIC Member States and other international markets.
The discussions also highlighted the growing importance of halal certification and compliance with internationally harmonised requirements. In this regard, OIC/SMIIC standards were recognised as important instruments for facilitating trade, strengthening consumer confidence, and promoting mutual understanding and cooperation among halal-related institutions and stakeholders.
Building on the outcomes of the Forum, the Halal Summit of Tunisia 2027 is planned to take place under the auspices of the Tunisian Ministry of Commerce. Potential areas of future cooperation with SMIIC include institutional partnership, capacity-building activities on OIC/SMIIC halal standards for Tunisian exporters in coordination with INNORPI, and the engagement of SMIIC Member States and relevant institutions in the forthcoming Summit.
SMIIC's participation in the Forum reaffirmed its commitment to supporting international cooperation in standardization and conformity assessment and promoting the wider recognition and implementation of OIC/SMIIC standards, contributing to the development of a trusted and harmonised global halal ecosystem.
