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@ Halal | March-April. 2025

• MIHAS 2025 is gearing up to reach its RM4.5 billion target in global halal sales

• Integrating next-generation AI technology into the INSP

• Strategically expanding MIHAS to Shanghai with MIHAS @ Shanghai

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BY ZAFIRAH ZAFRUDDIN

Q1 AT A GLANCE: Malaysia ' s trade performance( January- March 2025) outlined.

The 2024 edition of MIHAS drew over 43,000 visitors from 90 countries and generated RM4.3 billion in sales, justifying the bold RM4.5 billion global halal sales target for MIHAS 2025.

The theme ' Pinnacle of Halal Excellence ' for MIHAS 2025 conveys Malaysia ' s ambition to lead and set global standards for the halal industry.

With regard to the theme, MATRADE Chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican remarked: " This theme highlights Malaysia ' s unwavering commitment to showcasing the most cutting-edge advancements in halal and celebrating global excellence within this thriving sector."

This focus aligns with the growth of the global halal economy, which is currently valued at over US $ 3 trillion and is projected to reach US $ 5 trillion by 2030.

Plus, with anticipated increased worldwide participation and a more in-depth industry focus, MIHAS 2025 is poised to achieve greater scale and reach.

The event will feature the latest halal offerings across 14 different clusters, spanning food and beverages( F & B), pharmaceuticals, Islamic arts and crafts, Islamic finance, modest fashion, and more.

The showcase will be held from Sep 17 to 20, 2025, at the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre( MITEC).

The event is a joint undertaking, with the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry( MITI) as host and the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation( MATRADE) as the organiser.

AI-DRIVEN TRADE " The halal industry makes up a significant portion of Malaysia ' s Gross Domestic Product( GDP), with projections estimating that it will reach 10.8 per cent contribution by 2030 or RM231 billion," stated MITI Deputy Secretary General( Industry) Datuk Hanafi Sakri.

Malaysia has maintained its top position in the Global Islamic Economy Indicator( GIEI) ranking over the past decade. This achievement is further underscored by a 15 per cent rise in the nation ' s halal products export in

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AS Malaysia assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, the Malaysia International Halal Showcase( MIHAS) will serve as a regional platform for economic collaboration.

" This edition of MIHAS will also showcase the diversity of our ASEAN members and their culture," said Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation( MATRADE) Chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican.

" In conjunction with our ASEAN Chairmanship, we aim to cultivate meaningful dialogues, spark synergistic collaborations, and ultimately drive significant business growth."

Initiatives related to the halal industry are included in the Priority Economic Deliverable( PEDS) for its chairmanship.

The Ministry of International Trade and Industry( MITI) Deputy Secretary- General( Industry) Datuk Hanafi Sakri noted: " With the aim to leverage its economic potential, the government, through MITI and MATRADE, is dedicated to supporting Malaysian companies in the halal industry."

Consequently, MIHAS 2025 will have a special ASEAN Halal Pavilion highlighting regional collaboration. Additionally, a pavilion dedicated to Gulf Cooperation Council( GCC) companies will be featured.