Baku: Azerbaijan intends to become a regional leader in the production, processing, and export of halal products, while also serving as one of the key platforms for the formation of new value chains across the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) region, Minister of Agriculture Majnun Mammadov said during the Ministerial Session titled 'Halal Economy for Sustainable Regional Integration' held as part of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group Annual Meetings 2026 in Baku, APA reports.
According to Azeri-Press news agency, the minister said that Azerbaijan is ready to play the role of a strategic gateway in the emerging architecture of the halal market. Azerbaijan offers a competitive environment for investment in agriculture, supported by geographical advantages, state support mechanisms, and the rapid development of the agricultural sector.
Majnun Mammadov noted that, as a result of structural reforms and subsidy programs, Azerbaijan's agri-food sector has demonstrated significant growth in recent years. The agricultural production has increased by 37.8% in real terms, and the fisheries sector has expanded by approximately 2.7 times. Azerbaijan has achieved self-sufficiency in high value-added products such as fruits, vegetables, and eggs, with steady progress in meat and milk production.
The minister also emphasized that Azerbaijan's position in international agricultural markets is strengthening. Azerbaijan is recognized as a reliable exporter in global markets, ranking fourth in the world in hazelnut production, second in persimmon exports, and ninth in exports of peaches and nectarines. Additionally, the country is among the world's top 20 exporting countries for products such as strawberries, cherries, tomatoes, and cotton fiber.
Majnun Mammadov stated that the new state program for 2026-2030, adopted under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, envisages the development of the agricultural sector based on a high-tech and export-oriented model. The new state program creates a framework for the development of intensive, innovative, and export-oriented agriculture, with extensive consultations in the regions to adapt production models to international market requirements.
He noted that Azerbaijan is accelerating digitalization and the introduction of innovations in agriculture. The Electronic Agriculture Information System has created transparency in state support and subsidy mechanisms and is being enhanced with artificial intelligence and data-driven technologies. This ensures traceability of product origin, quality control, and compliance with international halal standards.
The minister also put forward several specific initiatives for the development of the halal industry. He noted the creation of a unified halal certification and digital traceability platform as essential. Azerbaijan is ready to take the lead in establishing a single, reliable standard recognized internationally.
Majnun Mammadov also proposed the establishment of green halal agroparks, the introduction of dedicated financing mechanisms based on Islamic finance instruments, linking halal exports with the Middle Corridor, and increasing investment in human capital. Azerbaijan aims to become a leading regional hub for halal production based on ethical principles, high quality, and profitability.