Dubai, (NNN-WAM) : The Board of Directors of the International Halal Accreditation Forum, IHAF, held its first meeting on Sunday in Dubai, where members discussed internal regulations, future strategic directions, plans, and work programmes for the coming period, which will contribute to further regional and international outreach.

Its objectives are to expand the trade of halal products through multilateral recognition mechanisms. The board reviewed a number of accomplishments since the establishment of the forum last year at the level of the secretariat and its steering committees, especially since it is the first international network in the world to adopt halal products.

Dr. Rashid Ahmed bin Fahd, Minister of State, Chairman of the Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology (ESMA), and Chairman of the IHAF, said that the establishment of the forum came in response to the initiative of the ESMA, which is internationally recognised to provide credibility in halal products, services and systems that carry the halal logo throughout the world.

He noted that the presence of the forum contributes to increase the trade of halal products, raising the level of confidence in halal certificates issued to it, and enhancing halal trade and industry worldwide. He pointed to the special importance of a global forum in the UAE.

“The UAE’s participation in the forum contributes to achieving the vision of the country in promoting the Islamic economy worldwide,” he said.

It crowns the UAE’s strong role in the success of the forum’s work, with a strong infrastructure for quality, an appropriate legislative system in the field of standards, as well as the country’s active membership in international and regional standardisation bodies.

The forum includes 20 of the most important official accreditation bodies, representing 23 countries worldwide.