The opening ceremony of 4th International Exhibition “Moscow Halal Expo 2013” that took place in 75th exhibition hall of All-Russian Exhibition Center, was attended by delegates of Moscow City Government, deputies of Russian State Duma, extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassadors of Arab and Muslim countries, foreign delegations from various countries.

The delegate of Moscow City Government, deputy head of the Department of interregional cooperation, national policy and relations with religious organizations of Moscow City Konstantin Blazhenov especially stressed that this exhibition—that has already become traditional—is not important just for Muslims, but for people of all creeds.

“By such events as this one, we have an opportunity to familiarize ourselves with culture and philosophy of people who represent second largest religion of the Russian Federation,” he said.

Deputy head of the Department of trade and service of Moscow City Nikita Kuznetsov, in his turn, said that according to market research, around 40 percent of halal food consumers are non-Muslims. He added that this tendency shows the necessity of development of halal industry in the country. Mr Kuznetsov stressed that the city government is ready to support this development in cooperation with Russian Muftis Council.

RMC press service