Latest news with #21stMalaysiaInternationalHalalShowcase
The Star
26-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Matrade eyes RM4.5bil trade sales from Mihas 2025
Matrade chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz. PETALING JAYA: The Malaysia External Trade Development Corp (Matrade) is setting its sights on RM4.5bil in halal trade sales for its upcoming 21st Malaysia International Halal Showcase (Mihas 2025), with the event expected to draw 45,000 visitors. The event, which includes the International Sourcing Programme (INSP) Mihas, will return in a hybrid format. The physical session will make its debut at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec) on Sept 17, 2025, while the virtual sessions will run from April 1 to Nov 5, 2025. Matrade aims to attract a total of 450 buyers for INSP Mihas, including 250 physical participants, 150 virtual buyers and 50 premium buyers. This compares to 330 buyers from 53 countries recorded in the previous edition, which generated RM2.53bil in sales. 'Building on the strong momentum of Mihas 2024 which generated RM4.3bil in sales and drew over 43,000 visitors from 90 countries, Mihas 2025 is poised to reach new heights,' said Matrade chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican in a statement. 'With an ambitious target of RM4.5bil in halal trade and 45,000 international visitors, we are amplifying our global impact through smarter, tech-driven connections,' he said, noting the role of the agency's artificial intelligence-powered Madani Digital Trade Platform in facilitating business matching. Matrade chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz said the decision to host INSP Mihas at Mitec reflects Malaysia's growing presence in the halal sector. 'Bringing the physical INSP Mihas to Mitec marks an important milestone for us. It offers Malaysian businesses a central platform to engage with a wider pool of global buyers and expand their reach in the international marketplace,' he said. 'As we scale up, we remain committed to forging meaningful global partnerships and creating greater market access for halal businesses around the world,' he added. INSP Mihas 2025 will involve exporters from 19 sectors such as halal food, fashion, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, logistics, Islamic finance, information and communications technology and education. The showcase is also expected to host 1,700 exhibitors across 2,380 booths and include 45 country pavilions. Registration for the physical and virtual sessions closes on July 15 and Nov 5, respectively.
Malay Mail
01-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Malaysia eyes emerging markets, including China, to boost halal industry growth, says Matrade chairman
KUALA LUMPUR, May 1 — Malaysia is exploring opportunities in emerging markets, including China, as part of its efforts to expand the halal industry this year, said Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican. He said the country has outlined several strategies and is currently reviewing all trading partners that contribute to Malaysia's trade surplus to support the development of the halal sector. 'We're also looking at those contributing to the trade deficit — especially those at the bottom of the list — to see how we can 'zerorise' them through what we call the 'retain and regain' mission,' he said. 'There are certain positions we want to retain, and some we aim to regain. All of this is being managed internally,' he told reporters after the soft launch of the 21st Malaysia International Halal Showcase (Mihas) themed 'Pinnacle of Halal Excellence' here, yesterday. Hence, Malaysia will host Mihas in Shanghai, China, from November 5 to 10, 2025, as part of its strategic participation in the China International Import Expo (CIIE) — one of Asia's leading trade exhibitions. 'This is why we're heading to China. CIIE is an import-focused exhibition, and among global trade fairs, it uniquely allows Mihas to coincide with it. They want to leverage Mihas, and Mihas also seeks to leverage CIIE,' he said. 'While Mihas typically attracts around 40,000 trade visitors, CIIE draws about 400,000. So, imagine the vast opportunity this presents to Mihas participants in Shanghai,' he said. Reezal emphasised the immense potential of the halal industry, aligning with the Halal Industry Master Plan 2030 (HIMP 2030), which values the global halal market at approximately US$5 trillion (US$1=RM4.31). 'With the global Muslim population nearing two billion, awareness around halal is growing significantly. 'In my discussions with Chinese counterparts, I explained that halal is not solely about Islam — it represents 'halalan toyyiban', encompassing hygiene, cleanliness, safety, originality, traceability, and sometimes sustainability.' He noted that many countries are increasingly interested in adopting halal-certified products due to the high standards and rigorous certification processes they entail. Reezal said that the global halal market is expanding rapidly, with demand for halal products increasing across international markets. As such, Malaysia does not want to lose its position as the leading and premier nation in promoting halal products. He said Matrade has maintained its strong commitment to achieving a minimum of five per cent export growth towards the RM1.58 trillion target for halal exports set for this year. 'That is a humble target. Of course there will be challenges but then InsyaAllah we hope that we can touch RM1.58 trillion this year,' he said. — Bernama
