Aurangzeb, ICCD discuss boosting Pakistan’s halal exports

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb told the Secretary-General of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development, Shaikh Yousef Hassan Khalawi, that Pakistan wants to pinpoint particular goods, industries and foreign markets for its halal business push. Business Recorder reported that the talks, described in an official statement, also covered Islamic finance and wider private-sector cooperation. Al Baraka Bank Pakistan's chief executive, Muhammad Atif Hanif, joined the minister.

The conversation covered the expanding global halal economy, with food, fashion, halal tourism, services and consumer segments listed as areas where Pakistan could grow its footprint. Aurangzeb wants the country to move past a general idea of halal and focus on concrete products, sectors and markets where local firms can benefit from new openings. He also stressed closer links between Pakistani companies and international business networks, which the chamber could help build through its global outreach.

Khalawi described the chamber's wider international reach and its work with business communities in non-OIC countries, including efforts to link Muslim entrepreneurs with private and institutional partners. Drawing on experience from other countries, he discussed halal enterprise growth, eco-friendly travel and faith-based economic ties, and urged attention to sector-specific demand. Aurangzeb welcomed the chamber's engagement with Pakistan and called for continued dialogue with businesses to find practical opportunities for collaboration.