MIHAS 2019 expects moderate sales growth amid global economic uncertainty

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2019 is expected to register a moderate sales growth of between two and three per cent from RM1.5 billion recorded last year due to the challenging global economic environment.

Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) chief executive officer Datuk Wan Latiff Wan Musa said the ongoing trade war between the United States and China had affected the global economy.

“We hope the issue will be resolved amicably to support global economic growth and subsequently improve global demand for products and services, including those from Malaysia,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the MIHAS 2019 soft launch here on Wednesday night.

Wan Latiff was optimistic that the sales growth target can be achieved as there would be more than 200 international buyers compared with 150 at last year's event.

Dubbed as the world's largest halal trade show, MIHAS 2019 will be held at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre from April 3-6.

Meanwhile, in his welcoming remarks, Wan Latiff said the event would also feature two business matching sessions - the International Sourcing programme (INSP) and the MIHAS Hosted Buyer programme.

“The INSP will be held at Menara MATRADE on April 2 with about 200 selected buyers from 50 countries ready to engage in business matching activities with more than 450 Malaysian companies,” he said.

He said the INSP had successfully generated over RM600 million in sales for local companies last year.

MIHAS 2019 would also include a series of value-added programmes comprising six conferences and more than 30 seminars.

“The focus sectors to be highlighted at MIHAS 2019 will be food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, finance, digital, logistics, Muslim-friendly tourism and a new inclusion — modest fashion,” he added.

The event is expected to draw about 1,000 exhibitors and 30,000 trade visitors.

The 16th edition of the event will be hosted by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry and organised by MATRADE.