Hat yai: The 15th World Halal Exhibition and Conference commenced on August 2, 2026, at the Prince of Songkla University International Convention Centre in Hat Yai, Thailand. This event stands as a leading international platform focusing on halal trade, scientific research, and innovation. It features extensive participation from member and observer countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
According to Union of OIC News Agencies, the event is organized by the Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (COMSTECH) in collaboration with the Halal Institute at Prince of Songkla University. Under the theme "Health and Innovation in the Halal Industry," the conference unites researchers, policymakers, halal accreditation bodies, entrepreneurs, scientists, and academics from countries including Bahrain, Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Uzbekistan. The exhibition highlights the latest products, technologies, services, and scientific research aimed at bolstering the global halal ecosystem.
The opening ceremony saw attendance from government officials, ambassadors, industry leaders, university representatives, and international academic and diplomatic figures. The event also marked the exchange of a memorandum of understanding between COMSTECH and Prince of Songkla University, initially signed electronically in April 2026, to enhance institutional cooperation in halal science, research, training, and innovation.
Following the inauguration, the first roundtable meeting of HAPEX Global Leaders was held by COMSTECH and the Halal Institute. Discussions centered on the current state of the halal industry in OIC member and observer countries, exploring collaborative platforms for scientific research, innovation, and capacity building.
COMSTECH General Coordinator, Professor Dr. Mohammad Iqbal Chowdhury, expressed gratitude to Prince of Songkla University and the Halal Institute for hosting the event, acknowledging the growing partnership between the university and COMSTECH. He emphasized the rapid growth of the halal industry within the global economy and the necessity for strengthening scientific research, establishing internationally recognized standards, fostering innovation, and forming effective partnerships among universities, research centers, regulatory bodies, and the industrial sector.
Chowdhury highlighted COMSTECH's commitment to fostering scientific cooperation, technology transfer, and capacity building among member states. He also asserted the organization's 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 system globally.
He conveyed confidence that the outcomes of the meetings would lead to practical partnerships in halal research, development, vocational training, testing, accreditation, and innovation, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of OIC member states in global markets.
Speakers at the conference reiterated that the halal economy extends beyond food industries, encompassing healthcare, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, tourism, Islamic finance, logistics, digital technologies, and advanced industries, thereby making innovation and international cooperation vital in shaping the future of this expanding sector.
The conference continues with specialized scientific sessions, policy dialogues, business meetings, and exhibitions, aiming to foster cooperation among governments, universities, scientific research institutions, and the private sector, while opening new avenues for investment and innovation in the rapidly growing global halal market.
