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@ HalalXtra July-August 2022
COVER STORY of RM2.13 billion . I think it was a stellar performance for our external trade ,” he said .
POSITIVE TRADE PERFORMANCE
Although the challenges faced by MATRADE in conducting MIHAS 2021 were many , it contributed to Malaysia ’ s positive trade performance that year .
“ For the first time in the country ’ s history , our exports recorded the highest at RM1.24 trillion while total trade stood at RM2.23 trillion . So , it was a combination of exports and imports .
“ I am pleased to note that MIHAS 2021 generated a record-breaking RM2.13
billion in exports . It comprised RM1.38 billion by exhibitors and RM749.1 million from Malaysian companies who participated in INSP ,” said Mohd Mustafa , adding that he was very proud of MATRADE for winning the WTPO Award .
“ When we won this award , it was the biggest success because we have been regarded as the best trade organisation in the world for using technology . And MIHAS 2021 was a testimony of what this is .
“ It proves that we walk the talk as a trade organisation .
“ I also think WTPO realised that Matrade is going beyond the ordinary the traditional way of doing things , so we leverage every platform that we have to maintain Malaysia ’ s rank as one of the biggest trading partners in the world .
“ The success of MIHAS 2021 indicates that MATRADE is on the right track in bolstering Malaysian exports via digital transformation in assisting Malaysian companies in finding new markets and connecting with buyers across the globe ,” Mohd Mustafa elaborated .
HYBRID FORMAT
From the time he was entrusted with the CEO ’ s role in 2020 , Mohd Mustafa had been instrumental in championing the three significant export agendas for Malaysia – digitalisation , sustainable development as well as the devised programmes and activities that are aligned with the National Trade Blueprint in driving Malaysian companies onto their internalisation quest .
“ MATRADE has been conducting our programmes via digital platforms even before the pandemic . We connect our Malaysian exporters with foreign buyers through various export promotional and exporters development initiatives such as eBizMatch , Export Acceleration Mission , trade fairs , webinars and many others .”
This is a long-term strategy for Malaysia to address the gaps and challenges of the export ecosystem .
Mohd Mustafa is looking forward to MIHAS 2022 and is confident that it will be better than last year .
He said this year ’ s MIHAS would be held in a hybrid format designed to maximise the benefit of a physical and digital showcase .
“ This year ’ s showcase themed , ‘ Diversifying Halal Possibilities ’, aims to stimulate further cross-border trade empowered by the advancement of technology and digitalisation in trade promotion ,” Mohd Mustafa highlighted .
The 18th MIHAS is not limited to the ASEAN region but will also be supported internationally with the participation of International Pavilions from countries across the globe - from trade commissions to various Government agencies , from industry players to market leaders .
Exhibitors and trade visitors can participate in MIHAS physically or virtually , regardless of geographic or time zones .
MIHAS 2022 BREAKING NEW GROUND
Commenting on MIHAS 2022 ’ s role in capturing and stimulating cross-border trade in this post-pandemic recovery period , Mohd Mustafa said MIHAS ’ being the largest halal trade event in the world and being conducted in a hybrid format will allow flexibility and optimise accessibility for more international buyers to participate and meet potential Malaysian producers and suppliers from multiple sectors .
Leading up to the main showcase , MATRADE is also conducting the flagship INSP MIHAS on a hybrid mode , i . e , physical and virtual . The virtual INSP MIHAS will be extended till Nov 15 , 2022 .
“ The virtual B2B business meetings will be held via a virtual meeting platform depend-