The burgeoning halal economy, estimated worth $3.2 trillion in 2024, is growing at nearly double the global rate where a demographic surge in the Muslim population has amplified demand for halal-certified products in local and international markets. The halal market refers to the production, distribution, and consumption of food and beverages that comply with Islamic dietary laws. These products emphasize ethical, sustainable, and clean practices. Because of their emphasis on clean practices, sustainability, ethical behavior, and superior quality, halal products are no longer exclusive to the Muslims only, garnering increasing acceptance among non-Muslim consumers. The halal industry, meanwhile, is no longer confined to food and food related products. It covers a broad reach of sectors and products ranging from pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, healthcare products, toiletries and medical devices to logistics, marketing, print and electronic media, packaging, branding, and financing. Iran’s place in future of evolving halal tourism As such, the worldwide halal market is undergoing a radical change where countries regardless of geographical location or religious affiliation are setting up or expanding business of Islamic-compliant products. Brazil, for example, is the largest exporter of halal meat, followed by Australia and India. Other big non-Muslim exporters of halal meat are France, China, the Netherlands and Spain. Meanwhile, top leading exporters of halal foods are Brazil, India, the US, Russia and Argentina. The countries spanning almost every part of the world provides an overview of the landscape for collaboration where Muslim nations can take advantage of this important opportunity to forge better commercial and economic relations. Iran’s suitable capacities make it an ideal candidate to become one of the pioneers in the production and supply of halal food products. As a country where the teachings of Islam embrace all aspects of life, Iran is best placed to play a major role in halal business.     Like in many Muslim countries, halal food has a special place in the lives of Iranians and is intertwined with their lifestyle, given the effect it has on the improvement of soul and body. Any product with a high health index is halal. In today's vernacular, halal is a symbol of purity, health, safety, and quality, opposite to haram, which is any product or service that is harmful to human health. Iran produces about 83% of its annual food needs domestically. Based on the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) data, the Islamic Republic is the third-largest producer of dates, honey, pistachios, and walnuts in the world.   Iran’s exports of high-quality food to Muslim countries, mainly Afghanistan and Iraq, are put at about $2 billion which is less than one percent of the global halal food turnover. Malaysia has been a global market leader in the halal food industry, followed by Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Bahrain, Indonesia, Egypt and Iran, indicating how much this important cultural and economic sector has been neglected by Iranian producers. Iran also has a strong industrial base in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and fashion where the production of halal shoes, leather and wool has a long tradition. Leather units, actively operating in three strategic areas of Tehran, Tabriz and Mashhad, consist of 350 going concerns which produce 2.5 million pieces cow and calves hides equal to 70 million squares. Source: PRESSTV.IR