The three-day international fair Halal Expo Sarajevo 2025 was officially opened today in Sarajevo, bringing together more than 60 exhibitors from over 20 countries. The event aims to promote innovation, encourage investment, and create invaluable business opportunities within the dynamic halal economy sector.
The opening ceremony featured addresses by Mr. Mohammed Sherbi, Director of Rekaz d.o.o.; Dr. Damir Alihodžić, Director of the Agency for Halal Quality Certification of Bosnia and Herzegovina; Mr. Ihsan Övüt, Secretary General of the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC) under the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC); H.E. Rezak Namura, Ambassador of Palestine to Bosnia and Herzegovina; Mr. Adnan Delić, Federal Minister of Labour and Social Policy of Bosnia and Herzegovina; and Dr. Ahmed Purdić, Envoy of the Grand Mufti Husein Kavazovic and Fatwa Emin of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Welcoming attendees on behalf of the organisers, Mr. Mohammed Sherbi highlighted the significance of holding such a fair in Sarajevo — a city where East meets West.
“Sarajevo deserves to be a center for business dialogue, especially when it comes to the halal industry,” he stated, emphasizing that no discussion on this topic in Bosnia and Herzegovina can take place without the involvement of the Islamic Community and its Agency for Halal Quality Certification.
As a co-organizer of the fair, Dr. Damir Alihodžić, Director of the Agency for Halal Quality Certification, underlined the Agency’s commitment to promoting the halal concept not only as an industry but as a lifestyle.
“This week can be rightfully called the Halal Week in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” Dr. Alihodžić said, referring to three major events: the European Halal Congress (June 16–17), Halal Expo Sarajevo (June 17–19), and the Islamic Finance Conference titled “Values for Impact – Ethical Finance, Innovation and Sustainable Growth” (June 18–19), hosted by the International University of Sarajevo.
Mr. Ihsan Övüt emphasized that Sarajevo is increasingly becoming a key destination for the halal industry, a sector that represents one of the fastest-growing segments of the global economy.
“We are witnessing a growing global demand for halal products and services. Given the evolving complexity of market requirements, continuous enhancement of halal standards and certification systems is imperative. We expect all producers to fully align with SMIIC standards,” he said, expressing his hope that Halal Expo Sarajevo would serve as a powerful driver of innovation and cooperation in the sector.
Representing the diplomatic corps, H.E. Rezak Namura, Ambassador of Palestine, stressed the importance of Palestine’s participation in such a significant event — particularly during a time of grave challenges for his country. He also highlighted Sarajevo’s symbolic role as the “Jerusalem of Europe,” a city of interfaith encounter and East-West connectivity, as well as its capacity to link the Arab world with the broader international community.
Federal Minister Adnan Delić emphasized Sarajevo’s global reputation as a city of tolerance and coexistence, welcoming all people of goodwill. He also underlined the fair’s inclusive character, citing the Ministry’s cooperation in showcasing the Fund for Professional Rehabilitation and Employment of Persons with Disabilities, which presents its achievements and practical examples of social inclusion.
On behalf of the Grand Mufti of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Husein ef. Kavazović, the fair was officially opened by his Envoy, Dr. Ahmed Purdić.
“Halal is fundamentally a religious matter and a key part of the mission of the Islamic Community,” Dr. Purdić stated. He reminded attendees that promoting halal is one of the ways believers live out their faith, and that honest, responsible business practices are among the righteous deeds praised in the Qur’an, alongside acts of worship.
“We are pleased to see growing interest from individuals, companies, and public institutions in halal promotion. Their involvement confirms that halal benefits everyone — and harms no one,” he concluded.
Following the official ceremony, delegations and dignitaries began their tour of the exhibition space.
The accompanying photos capture part of the event’s unique atmosphere.
