Hat yai: COMSTECH and Prince of Songkla University of Thailand are spearheading the 15th World Halal Products Exhibition and Conference, a significant international event focusing on halal trade, scientific research, and innovation. The event, which commenced last Sunday, August 2, 2026, at the Prince of Songkla University International Convention Centre in Hat Yai, Thailand, sees participation from member and observer countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
According to Union of OIC News Agencies, this prominent event is a collaborative effort between the Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (COMSTECH) and the Halal Institute at Prince of Songkla University. Under the theme "Health and Innovation in the Halal Industry," it has drawn researchers, policymakers, halal accreditation bodies, entrepreneurs, scientists, and academics from nations including Bahrain, Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Uzbekistan. The exhibition is showcasing state-of-the-art products, technologies, services, and research aimed at bolstering the global halal ecosystem.
The opening ceremony witnessed attendance from government officials, ambassadors, industry leaders, university representatives, and international academic and diplomatic figures. During the event, a memorandum of understanding was exchanged between COMSTECH and Prince of Songkla University, initially signed electronically in April 2026, to bolster institutional cooperation in halal science, research, training, and innovation.
Following the opening, the HAPEX Global Leaders' first roundtable meeting was held, organized by COMSTECH and the Halal Institute. Participants discussed the current state of the halal industry in OIC member and observer countries and explored ways to develop collaborative platforms for research, innovation, and capacity building.
COMSTECH General Coordinator, Professor Dr. Mohammad Iqbal Chowdhury, expressed gratitude towards Prince of Songkla University and the Halal Institute for hosting the event, highlighting the growing partnership. He emphasized the importance of the halal industry as a rapidly expanding global economic sector and the need for enhanced scientific research, international standards, innovation, and partnerships between universities, research centers, regulatory bodies, and the industry.
Chowdhury reiterated COMSTECH's commitment to promoting scientific cooperation, technology transfer, and capacity building among member states, supporting platforms that unite universities, research institutions, governments, and the private sector to advance the halal system globally.
He expressed confidence that the meetings would result in practical partnerships in halal research, development, vocational training, testing, accreditation, and innovation, enhancing the competitiveness of OIC member states in global markets.
Conference speakers emphasized the expanding scope of the halal economy, which now encompasses healthcare, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, tourism, Islamic finance, logistics, digital technologies, and advanced industries. They stressed the importance of innovation and international cooperation in shaping the future of this burgeoning sector.
The conference continues with specialized sessions, policy dialogues, business meetings, and exhibitions, aiming to foster cooperation between governments, universities, research institutions, and the private sector, while opening new avenues for investment and innovation in the global halal market.