Mohammad Raza Karbasi, the director-general of the Islamic Chamber Research and Information Center (ICRIC) says Iran is the sixth largest producer of Halal food among 73 Muslim and non-Muslim countries.
Karbasi made the remarks addressing the 3rd Halal Business Forum in Zagreb, Croatia, on Monday.
The event was attended by businesspeople from Iran, Balkan countries, Britain, the US, Singapore and Malaysia in which they discussed ways for further cooperation in different areas including, tourism, health tourism and construction industry.
Halal business is not restricted to food; it also includes pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, tourism and banking, Karbasi said.
Noting that non-Halal food is not produced in Iran, he said that food industry is Iran’s third largest industry following refining and chemical industries.
Iran is a very desirable destination for tourists seeking Halal services, Karbasi said, adding that there used to be direct flights between Iran and Southeast Europe countries while there are no such flights at present. He noted that in case of increase in trade exchanges between the two sides, direct flights can be established.
In the meantime, Iran’s Ambassador to Zagreb Saeed Khatibzadeh said that Iran is a gateway to Persian Gulf littoral states and other Asian countries, with Croatia serving as the gateway to Balkan countries which can provide a chance for more increased relations between the two nations.