With over 1.7 billion consumers of halal meat worldwide, the market for halal meat production is considered to be a potential “blue ocean”. (Image: Yonhap)
BUYEO CITY, Aug. 9 (Korea Bizwire) — Government approval for a slaughterhouse in the Muslim religious tradition of “halal” has seen local Christian groups up in arms in Buyeo City of South Chungcheong Province.
According to the Buyeo City Office, the district’s association of Christian denominations has over the past few weeks voiced its opposition to the prospective enterprise. On July 18, the group held a rally during a field survey conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. It then held a press conference before the ministry’s Sejong City branch at the beginning of August to further criticize the government’s decision.
The approved request to open the slaughterhouse was submitted to the ministry last May.
If the business opens as planned, 112 million won in personal and government funds will be invested. The goal will be to develop the facilities necessary for halal meat production from 400 heads of cattle intended specifically for export.
On August 8, Buyeo officials held a sit-down with the district’s Christian groups to discuss the nature of the issue. (Image: Yonhap)
On August 8, Buyeo officials held a sit-down with the district’s Christian groups to discuss the nature of the issue. The city council subsequently stated that it was opposed to the halal meat slaughterhouse over fears it would be damaging to its status as a World Heritage City as well as the lack of support among residents.
A spokesperson for Buyeo’s Christian groups pointed out the failure of halal meat production facilities historically, referencing the halal meat production centers in Iksan, Daegu, Jeju, and Gangwon-do in support of opposition to the enterprise.
With over 1.7 billion consumers of halal meat worldwide, the market for halal meat production is considered to be a potential “blue ocean”.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
