Bangladesh is stepping up efforts to position itself as a major player in the multitrillion-dollar global halal economy by 2030, aiming to attract foreign investment and expand both domestic and export markets, officials have said.

The government is working to bring local production into full compliance with international halal standards, following requests from several importing countries.

The Ministry of Commerce has warned that without proper certification from production to export, Bangladesh risks losing market opportunities in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

The global halal economy, valued at around US$7.7 trillion in 2025, is projected to reach US$10 trillion by 2030. While Muslim-majority countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia lead in consumption and certification, major exporters include India, Brazil, and Australia.

Policy Exchange CEO Dr M Mashrur Reaz said Bangladesh has yet to tap into the market due to inadequate certification and accreditation, though some companies, such as Bengal Meat, have shown potential by exporting halal meat in small volumes.

Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) chief Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun told a trade forum in Kuala Lumpur last week that partnerships with Malaysia could combine Bangladesh’s competitive sourcing with Malaysia’s established certification and global networks.

Saudi authorities have signalled that exports will require approval from bodies such as the Saudi Accreditation Centre and the Saudi Food and Drug Authority. A Saudi delegation visited Bangladesh in July to inspect facilities, including Bengal Meat’s Pabna plant.