Rustam Minnikhanov takes part in the opening of the International Kazan Halal Market Fair

On May 13, at the Kazan Agro-Industrial Park, the Rais (Head) of Tatarstan and Chairman of the Strategic Vision Group “Russia – Islamic World” Rustam Minnikhanov took part in the opening of the Kazan Halal Market international fair, which is the first official event under the XVII International Economic Forum “Russia-the Islamic World: KazanForum”.

Minnikhanov emphasized that today halal represents a whole philosophy of life that reflects deep spiritual and cultural values, uniting millions of people around the world.

“Tatarstan as a leading region in Russia in the development of the Islamic economy, places particular importance on supporting and promoting the halal industry. We are actively working in this area strengthening our regulatory framework. Last year, the first representative Center of the key international organization for Islamic finance standards AAOIFIwas opened in Kazan,” the Rais (Head) of the republic said.

Currently, there are more than 150 food producers in Tatarstan operating according to halal standards. Minnikhanov noted that exports are also increasing — last year, the volume of halal products shipped from the republic reached 45 million US dollars, which is three times higher than in 2024. The positive growth trend continues this year. “I am confident this will open new opportunities for promoting Tatarstan’s halal products in Eastern markets and will deepen our partnership ties,” he emphasized.

Halal fairs in the republic are a good tradition that helps participants establish new trade connections. This year, about 100 companies from 11 Russian regions and 9 foreign countries are taking part in the event. “Today, we see a rich variety of products from Russian regions as well as from abroad. This is a vivid evidence to the international interest in the halal market of Tatarstan and Russia as a whole,” Minnikhanov said.

He expressed gratitude to Russian and international partners for their contribution to developing the halal sector and for their coordinated joint efforts in this area.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture of Russia Maksim Markovich noted that Russia actively cooperates with Islamic countries across various sectors of agriculture and food production, including halal. “Kazan Halal Market is an efficient platform for establishing business contacts, signing contracts and showcasing our products. We will help producers expand into foreign markets,” he said.

Director General of the Islamic Centre for Trade Development (Morocco) Latifa El Bouabdellaoui and Secretary General of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (Saudi Arabia) Yousef Hassan Khalawi greeted the participants and guests of the halal fair.

After the opening ceremony, guests looked around the trade pavilions and got acquainted with the wide range of products presented.

The Kazan Halal Market will operate from May 13 to 17 from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. as the largest halal trading platform in Russia, it offers food products, clothing, accessories, cosmetics and other goods with the appropriate certification from leading companies of the Islamic world. All products and services featured at the fair have halal certificates from various certification bodies and are additionally verified by the Halal Standards Committee of the Muslim Spiritual Directorate of Tatarstan.