Unified halal standard is recipe for success

The Muslim market

At present, there are more than 1.8 billion Muslims globally, almost a quarter of the world's total population and the growth rate of the Muslim population could be four times as rapid as that of non-Muslims, said Jin from the China Islamic Association. The annual global trade in halal products was worth $150 billion in 2008, but exports from China average out at just $100 million annually.

The Arman supermarket in Urumqi, capital of the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, is believed to be one of the largest outlets in the region selling halal food. [Photo/China Daily]

"The market demand and business opportunities have emphasized the need for China to speed up the process of creating a national standard," added Jin Rubin.

Ningxia was allowed to establish its own international halal food standard in 2009, as part of a trial. That standard is now recognized by seven countries, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Australia and Malaysia, which means certified foodstuffs from the region are automatically eligible for export to those countries.

"At the moment, we mainly certify manufacturers within Ningxia," said Wang Shengjun, director of the region's international certification center. The region's most popular exports are meat, honey and dehydrated vegetables.

"A large milk powder company from southern China approached us once to obtain certification, but they decided not to continue with the application after learning that all key workers must be Muslims. They felt unable to guarantee that would be the case," said Wang.

A national standard is one thing, but for exporters, product quality is of prime importance, according to Jin Chunzi. "Manufacturers need to guarantee the quality of their products, first and foremost. Otherwise, they still won't get any orders, even if they reach the national standard. The depletion and degradation of the grassland means the overall quality of raw meat in China has fallen far behind other countries, whether it's halal or not."

Contact the reporter at cuijia@chinadaily.com.cn