Halal showcase to boost nation’s position as Islamic economy hub
KUALA LUMPUR: More than 500 exhibitors from 30 countries will take part in the 14th edition of Malaysia International Halal Showcase (Mihas) from April 5 to 8.
The event, organised by Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade), is also expecting around 25,000 visitors comprising traders from local and international organisations, associations and foreign delegations.
Matrade chief executive officer Dr Mohd Shahreen Zainoreen Madros said the event, to be held at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, aimed to strengthen the country’s position as a global hub for Islamic economy.
“Malaysia’s conducive Islamic economic landscape is exemplary to many, resulting in the strong positioning of Mihas globally,” he said.
He added that this year, Mihas would introduce new programmes, such as Malaysia International Islamic Lifestyle Exhibition (Mile) and International Sourcing Programme (INSP). Mile is organised in tandem with Mihas to promote Islamic lifestyle.
“Mile’s goal is to promote clusters, such as modest fashion, Islamic education and literature, Islamic arts, information technology and multimedia, jewellery and ornaments, as well as social and community development,” Shahreen said.
On INSP, he said it would intensify business deals throughout the event.
“Around 2,200 business meetings are expected to take place between local businesses and global delegations.
“INSP is a key component of this year’s Mihas and we are looking at it as a platform to boost global trade for halal products and services.
“Last year, Mihas generated sales of US$270.8 million (RM1.14 billion), an increase of four per cent from 2015 from its exhibition and INSP.
“Countries taking part in the event are Asean nations, Turkey, Brazil, South Africa, Palestine, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, China, Japan, Taiwan and South Korea.
“Mihas is not just an event, but a platform for the halal industry, which has now been gaining strong momentum for the past decade.
“This growth is fuelled by the high demand from not only the Muslim population, but also nonMuslims.
“We aim to turn Mihas into an avenue for stakeholders in the public and private sectors to work collectively to promote halal products and services.”