Azerbaijan intends to become a regional leader in the production, processing and export of halal products, while also serving as one of the key platforms for the formation of new value chains across the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) region, Minister of Agriculture Majnun Mammadov said during the Ministerial Session titled “Halal Economy for Sustainable Regional Integration” held as part of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group Annual Meetings 2026 in Baku, APA reports.
The minister said that Azerbaijan is ready to play the role of a strategic gateway in the emerging architecture of the halal market.
“Azerbaijan offers an extremely competitive environment for investment in agriculture. Our geographical advantages, state support mechanisms and the rapid development of the agricultural sector make our country one of the most attractive investment destinations in the region,” he stressed.
Majnun Mammadov noted that, as a result of structural reforms and subsidy programs, Azerbaijan’s agri-food sector has demonstrated significant growth in recent years.
“Our agricultural production has increased by 37.8% in real terms, while the fisheries sector has expanded by approximately 2.7 times. Azerbaijan has already achieved self-sufficiency in high value-added products such as fruits, vegetables and eggs, while steady progress is also being observed in meat and milk production,” the minister said.
The minister also emphasized that Azerbaijan’s position in international agricultural markets is steadily strengthening.
“Today, Azerbaijan is recognized as a reliable exporter in global markets. Our country ranks fourth in the world in hazelnut production, second in persimmon exports, and ninth in exports of peaches and nectarines. In addition, we are among the world’s top 20 exporting countries for products such as strawberries, cherries, tomatoes and cotton fiber,” he noted.
Majnun Mammadov stated that the new state program for 2026–2030, adopted under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, envisages the development of the agricultural sector based on a high-tech and export-oriented model.
“The new state program creates a clear and legally secured framework for the development of intensive, innovative and export-oriented agriculture. We are conducting extensive consultations in the regions and adapting production models to the requirements of international markets,” the minister stressed.
He noted that Azerbaijan is accelerating digitalization and the introduction of innovations in agriculture.
“The Electronic Agriculture Information System has created full transparency in state support and subsidy mechanisms. The system is currently being further enhanced through artificial intelligence and data-driven technologies. This ensures end-to-end traceability of product origin, quality control and compliance with international halal standards,” Majnun Mammadov said.
The minister also put forward several specific initiatives for the development of the halal industry.
“The creation of a unified halal certification and digital traceability platform is essential. The key requirement for investors is a single, reliable standard recognized at the international level. Azerbaijan is ready to take the lead in this area,” he noted.
Majnun Mammadov also proposed the establishment of green halal agroparks, the introduction of dedicated financing mechanisms based on Islamic finance instruments, linking halal exports with the Middle Corridor, and increasing investment in human capital.
“Our doors are open to all partners. Let us turn Azerbaijan into a leading regional hub for halal production based on ethical principles, high quality and high profitability,” the Minister of Agriculture added.
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