EVENT
@ Halal | MARCH-APRIL . 2023
Capitalising on a RM22.2 trillion industry MIHAS 2023 poised to become gateway for global exporters to access fast-growing global halal industry
THE 19th edition of the Malaysia International Halal Showcase ( MIHAS ) is well-positioned to become the primary gateway for global businesses seeking to access the fast-growing global halal trade and industry post-pandemic .
Hosted by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry ( MITI ) and organised by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation ( MATRADE ), MIHAS 2023 will be held from Sept 12-15 , 2023 , at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre ( MITEC ) with the theme “ Paving the Way of Halal ”.
Speaking at the soft launch of the event , MITI Minister Tengku Datuk Zafrul Aziz noted that Malaysia had long been a pioneer in the halal industry , thanks to its welldeveloped halal ecosystem .
“ I am proud to share that last year ’ s 18th Edition of MIHAS was another tremendous achievement for MITI and MATRADE . MIHAS 2022 achieved over RM2.39 billion in sales , surpassing its original target of RM1.9 billion . This helped maintain MIHAS ’ s pole position as a key large-scale showcase for halal products and services worldwide ,” shared Zafrul .
PROVIDING VALUE TO EXHIBITORS
He emphasised that the event provided additional value to exhibitors by allowing them to showcase their products and services through physical participation and an online portal provided by MATRADE . This hybrid approach enabled exhibitors to connect with potential clients worldwide , expanding their reach beyond physical boundaries .
“ MATRADE ’ s signature business matching programme , the International Sourcing Programme ( INSP ), was also conducted in a hybrid mode . Due to the success of the hybrid edition , we will continue offering our digital feature in the 19th edition of MIHAS .
“ To promote the growth of Malaysia ’ s halal economy , the government recently launched the Halal Industry Master Plan 2030 ( HIMP 2030 ). It sets out clear action plans for strategically capitalising on the growing global demand for halal products and services .
“ I am confident that with the HIMP 2030 , complemented by MITI ’ s vision in developing this industry , and B2B platforms like MIHAS , Malaysia can maintain its leadership position in halal products and services that meet the highest quality standards ,” added Zafrul .
PAVING THE WAY FOR HALAL
During her welcoming remarks , Dato ’ Hazimah Zainuddin , Chairperson of MATRADE , highlighted that the previous year ’ s edition of MIHAS had been a tremendous success , with over 30,000 traders and visitors in attendance .
“ MATRADE has long taken the lead in promoting Halal products and services exports globally . MIHAS is a testament to our commitment to developing and sustaining the halal industry . The 19th series of MIHAS is a continuation of the annual organisation of this prestigious event , the largest international trade exhibition for halal products and services ,” said Hazimah .
( From left ) MITI Secretary-General Datuk Seri Isham Ishak , Tengku Zafrul Aziz , Dato ' Hazimah Zainuddin and Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz .
Dato ' Hazimah Zainuddin
Tengku Zafrul Aziz
“ In line with continuing the forward trajectory of MIHAS , the theme “ Paving the Way of Halal ” perfectly encapsulates the importance of celebrating and maintaining the current standards of the halal segment and continuing to grow it to its fullest potential .”
Hazimah noted that the halal market had experienced significant growth in recent years and global acceptance , expanding beyond food and beverages to include a diverse range of products and services . MIHAS 2023 will showcase this expansion across 13 clusters , featuring products such as cosmetics , personal care , medical and pharmaceuticals , logistics ,
( From left ) Sharimahton Mat Saleh , Deputy CEO ( Export Acceleration ), MATRADE ; Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz ; and Remee Yaakub , Director ( Halal , F & B & Agrobased Section ), MATRADE . print & electronic media , and financing . ADVANCING TRADE ACTIVITIES
“ MIHAS 2023 will present an impressive display of 1,500 booths across the 13 clusters . In addition to the exhibition , we expect some 470 international buyers , including premium buyers , to participate in our International Sourcing Programme ( INSP ),” said Hazimah before announcing the return of the MIHAS Awards as an acknowledgement of the advancements of halal players .
She assured that MATRADE was always proactive in seeking the latest digitalisation developments for trade promotions .
“ We employed various approaches in advocating Malaysian SMEs competitiveness by enhancing export knowledge through the sharing of market intelligence and insights by our 46 global offices , business matching activities , trade facilitation and export promotions with the aid of technology .”
MATRADE CEO Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz announced that the agency had set a sales target of RM2.1 billion for MIHAS 2023 . He expressed confidence that this ambitious target could be achieved , citing recent positive developments such as China ’ s reopening of the border .