On Thursday, May 21, Moscow Halal Expo 2015 officially opened its doors in the international exhibition centre Crocus Expo. The event is organized by Russia Muftis Council in cooperation with Moscow City government.

During the opening ceremony, first deputy chairman of Russia Muftis Council and the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Russian Federation Rushan hazrat Abbyasov addressed the audience on behalf of mufti sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin who was at that moment in Ekaterininsky Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace, receiving high government award, Order "For Merit to the Fatherland" from the hands of Russian president Vladimir Putin.

"It is common knowledge that the term Halal has long ago become not just a religious label but a symbol of realiability, trustworthiness and quality in all life spheres. And it is our common task to make Halal industry a global trend. That is why we chose development and support of domestic Halal enterprises and establishment of the international trade and investment opportunities with the countries of the Muslim world as the main topic of this year's exhibition," said the greeting word of mufti sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin.

The opening ceremony was attended by representatives of Moscow City government, members of the Russian Parliament, extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassadors of the Arab and Muslim states, foreign delegations and the media, which confirms the influence of Moscow Halal Expo and the interest towards Halal industry as a whole.

Among other speaker were deputy head of the Department of national politics, interregional relations and tourism of Moscow City, head of the Directorate for relations with religious organizations Konstantin Blazhenov, extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran Mehdi Sanai, deputy chairman of the Minister of Trade and Industry of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Motasil Komaki, mufti of Montenegro Milajmi Muidin, chairman of the Asia Bank Council Farhad Saidi, representatives of the government of the Chechen Republic, head of the International Centre of Standardization and Certification "Halal" Aydar hajji Gazizov and others.

During the opening of the exhibition, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Russia Muftis Council, the Centre for Development of the Islamic Economy and Finance and the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) as well as a memorandum of understanding between the International Centre of Standardization and Certification "Halal" and the Halal Centre of Montenegro.

Moscow Halal Expo exhibition will take place between from May 21 to May 23. This year, it will also host 6th International Forum of Islamic Finance and Investments "Islamic financial market and real economy", 2nd International Forum "Halal standard of tourism and hospitality", 6th international congress on import and export prospects for halal manufacturers, Muslim Youth Forum and Muslim Fashion Forum. Winners of Best Halal Company and Best Halal Product of the Year contests will be announced at the exhibition too.

RMC press service