The head of the International Centre for Halal Standardization and Certification Aydar Gazizov participated in the business mission of local companies aimed at promoting Russian products on the Saudi market and attracting investments in the Russian agricultural sector.

On 18th December the Russian delegation led by Deputy Minister of Agriculture of the Russian Federation Sergey Levin visited Riyadh, the capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The event was organized by the Ministry of Agriculture of Russia, Russian Export Centre, Russian - Arab Business Council and the international consulting company KPMG.
The events took place in the Council of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Saudi Arabia.

The major event of the business programme was the plenary session called "Agricultural business: strategic partnership agenda", where the participants discussed long-term goals and potential dimensions of Saudi Arabia's strategic partnership with Russia in the agricultural sector, compliance of Russian products with the technical and sanitary requirements of Saudi Arabia, the role of the Russian Direct Fund Investments in attracting investments in the agricultural sector of Russia.

The plenary session was opened by the chairman of the Council of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Ahmed Al-Rajhi.
In his report Sergey Levin said: "Today, Russia is the leader in the production of many agricultural products and one of the largest exporters of agricultural products in the world. Russia enjoys favourable conditions for investing in the agricultural sector".
He also noted that over last 11 months the exports of agricultural raw materials and food products to Saudi Arabia increased by 29.6%, including the export of halal meat products.

Aydar Gazizov, Head of the International Centre for Halal Standardization and Certification, who was also invited to the event, delivered a welcome speech on behalf of the Chairman of the Russian Muftis Council and the Religious Board of Muslims of the Russian Federation, Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gainutdin.

Aydar Gazizov informed the audience about the history of Islam in Russia, as well as the long-term experience of his organization in the field of certification of Halal products and services, drawing attention to the results of the International Halal Centre's work related to accreditation in foreign institutions.

One of the leaders in the export of Russian products, GAP Resurs, was represented by the Deputy Director for Foreign Economic Development, Renat Shigapov, who spoke about the work of their enterprise related to production and sale of poultry products. He also noted that this November the International Halal Center was accredited by authorized organizations of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (GAC) and the United Arab Emirates (ESMA).

Following the discussion, the Saudi party expressed interest in opening a trade mission of the Kingdom in the Russian Federation, as well as in organizing a presentation of a wide range of agricultural and food products in Saudi Arabia.