September-October . 2021 | @ Halal

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MIHAS , which is hosted by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry ( MITI ) and organised by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation ( MATRADE ), starts on Sept 9 , 2021 .

According to MATRADE Chairman , Tan Sri Dr Halim Mohammad , speaking at the event ’ s virtual media launch , MIHAS 2021 is poised to become the longest-running global halal trade showcase in the world .

Themed ‘ Empowering Halal , Tomorrow , Together ’, MIHAS 2021 will be virtually accessible until Dec 31 , 2021 , as it plans to become a catalyst in revitalising the global halal economy , which is facing challenges posed by the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic .

“ MATRADE is delighted to yet again organise MIHAS , which promises to offer an abundance of trade opportunities and trending market insights related to the global Halal economy ,” said Halim .

“ For the first time , this edition of MIHAS is presented in a digital format . We look forward to revitalising Malaysia ’ s position as the global halal hub with another successful showcase this year , a positive beacon amid the challenging environment .”

Halim stressed at the same time , the facilitation of virtual cross border trade and knowledge exchanges at MIHAS 2021 would prepare both local and international exporters to capitalise on the ever-present opportunities in the global economy .

He pointed out that this year , the virtual showcase was structured into three major components comprising :

• Virtual exhibition .

• B2B Business matching ( International

Sourcing Programme - INSP ) also known as eBizMatch .

• Knowledge Hub .

The virtual exhibition this year features 549 virtual exhibitors with 52 per cent or 303 comprising international exhibitors from 43 different countries . The top five countries are Indonesia ( 45 exhibitors ), China ( 25 exhibitors ), the Philippines ( 20 exhibitors ), South Korea ( 18 exhibitors ) and Thailand ( 16 exhibitors ).

The top halal segments this year are represented primarily by :

• Food and Beverage ( 327 exhibitors ).

• Services and Enablers ( 51 exhibitors ).

• Cosmetics and Personal Care ( 39 exhibitors ).

• Modest Fashion ( 38 exhibitors ).

• Food Technology ( 34 exhibitors ).

MATRADE ’ s signature virtual International Sourcing Programme , eBizMatch , is a testament to the agency ’ s efforts in integrating digitalisation in trade promotion , thus mitigating the impact of border closures and lockdowns resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic . eBizMatch has been embedded as a key component of MIHAS 2021 to introduce and connect more Malaysian exporters to new potential markets and international buyers throughout the three-month exhibition period ending in December 2021 .

The Knowledge Hub , the third component of MIHAS 2021 , offers registered trade visitors thought-provoking dialogues on halal related topics covering Islamic financing , innovation and business sustainability , digital technologies the role of women and perspectives from young entrepreneurs in the halal economy , among others .

Prominent policymakers , strategic thinkers , academicians as well as industry leaders and influencers will offer their perspectives and thoughts in a total of 13 market access and plenary sessions , which will be livestreamed on the MIHAS Virtual platform scheduled over three days , Sept 10-12 .

The digital capabilities of MIHAS 2021 enable playbacks for all sessions , accommodating particularly international trade visitors in different time zones .

MIHAS 2021 collaborative partners comprise leading advocates of the halal economy : Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad ( BIMB ); Malaysian conglomerate and leading producer of coconut-based products LINACO ; Standard Chartered Saadiq Berhad and CIMB Islamic Banking Berhad ( CIMB ).

In a bid to further advance Malaysia ’ s export development , Halim said MATRADE would be inking a string of public-private partnerships at the official launch on Sept 9 .

MIHAS 2021 offers the local and international trade community a borderless halal market , accessible 24 hours a day , seven days a week for more than three months .

For the first time , this edition of MIHAS is presented in a digital format . We look forward to revitalising Malaysia ’ s position as the global halal hub with another successful showcase this year , a positive beacon amid the challenging environment .” — Dr Halim Mohammad