He noted that the volume of the global halal product market is about $3 trillion and asked whether Kyrgyzstan has exportable products in this area.
“Does Kyrgyzstan export halal products?” he clarified.
In response, Deputy Minister of Economy Sultan Akhmatov reported that the republic exports sausages and meat, sending them to Russia and Kazakhstan.
Kylchayev was also interested in the meat that comes to Kyrgyzstan from China.
“Is this meat compliant with halal standards?” the deputy asked.
To this, Akhmatov replied negatively.
“No, this product is not halal,” stated the deputy minister.
The deputy added that it is necessary to clearly indicate on store shelves where the meat and meat products come from—whether they are local or imported.
Akhmatov explained that there are strict rules in the country regulating the process from slaughter to the sale of products.
“The Bishkek Center for Metrology and Testing works in cooperation with the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kyrgyzstan, and they check products considering food safety and Sharia norms,” he noted.
Additionally, the deputy inquired about the volumes of meat and meat product imports from China; however, the deputy minister of economy was unable to provide this data.
