Hat yai: The 15th World Halal Exhibition and Conference commenced at the Prince of Songkla University International Convention Centre in Hat Yai, Thailand, marking a significant international gathering focused on halal trade, scientific research, and innovation. The event, which began last Sunday, August 2, 2026, featured extensive participation from member and observer countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
According to Union of OIC News Agencies, the exhibition was jointly organized by the Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (COMSTECH) and the Halal Institute at Prince of Songkla University under the theme "Health and Innovation in the Halal Industry." It attracted researchers, policymakers, halal accreditation bodies, entrepreneurs, scientists, and academics from countries including Bahrain, Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Uzbekistan, among others. The event showcased cutting-edge products, technologies, and scientific research aimed at bolstering the global halal ecosystem.
The opening ceremony was graced by the presence of government officials, ambassadors, leaders from the halal industry, university representatives, and international academic and diplomatic personalities. A memorandum of understanding was exchanged between COMSTECH and Prince of Songkla University, initially signed electronically in April 2026, to enhance institutional cooperation in the realms of halal science, research, training, and innovation.
The conference saw the organization of the first HAPEX Global Leaders roundtable meeting by COMSTECH and the Halal Institute at Prince of Songkla University. Participants engaged in discussions about the state of the halal industry within the member and observer countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, exploring avenues for collaborative platforms in scientific research, innovation, and capacity building.
Professor Dr. Mohammad Iqbal Chowdhury, COMSTECH General Coordinator, expressed gratitude towards Prince of Songkla University and the Halal Institute for hosting the event, applauding the strengthening partnership between the university and COMSTECH. He highlighted the rapid growth of the halal industry globally, emphasizing the need for robust scientific research, internationally recognized standards, innovation, and effective partnerships across universities, research centers, regulatory entities, and the industrial sector to sustain this growth.
Chowdhury reiterated COMSTECH's commitment to promoting scientific cooperation, technology transfer, and capacity building among member states, pledging full support for establishing platforms that unite universities, research institutions, governments, standardization and accreditation bodies, and the private sector to contribute to the development of the halal industry internationally.
He expressed optimism that the outcomes of the meetings would foster practical partnerships in halal research, development, vocational training, testing, accreditation, and innovation, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of OIC member states in global markets.
Conference speakers underlined that the halal economy now spans beyond food industries to include healthcare, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, tourism, Islamic finance, logistics, digital technologies, and advanced industries, underscoring the importance of innovation and international collaboration in shaping the future of this burgeoning sector.
The conference continues with specialized scientific sessions, policy dialogues, business meetings, and exhibitions, aimed at fostering cooperation among governments, universities, scientific research institutions, and the private sector, and unlocking new investment and innovation opportunities in the rapidly expanding global halal market.