Mihas eyes stronger global reach
KUALA LUMPUR: After setting a Guinness World Record last year for attracting 43,000 trade visitors, the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (Mihas) is aiming to draw more than 45,000 participants from over 45 countries this year.
Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said Mihas 2025 will feature more than 2,300 booths across 14 industry clusters.
'These 14 clusters include education, Muslim-friendly hospitality and tourism, food technology and packaging, pharmaceutical and medical, franchise, Islamic art and crafts, and logistics.
'Mihas has continuously increased participation and footfall, which reflects the support from international partners,' he said during the Mihas foreign mission networking hi-tea at the Matrade exhibition hall yesterday.
Reezal Merican said the achievement had helped them lead Mihas internationally.
He said Matrade had launched Mihas in Dubai last year and would expand it to Shanghai this year.
'Hopefully next year, we will organise Mihas in the European region, where Malaysian halal businesses can showcase their businesses internationally.
'The global halal market is currently worth over US$3.5 trillion (RM14.8 trillion). It is expected to reach US$5 trillion (RM21.2 trillion) by 2030,' he added.
Matrade deputy chief executive officer Abu Bakar Yusof said Mihas 2025 will feature a special Asean and Gulf Cooperation Council pavilion.
'The six GCC member states are experiencing rapid growth, making it timely for Malaysia to explore ways to contribute and create better market opportunities for businesses from both regions.
'Malaysia has sustained a strong position with more than 200 partners, and we are moving up in the ranks of trade globally,' he said.
Abu Bakar also urged foreign traders to utilise the new Madani Digital Trade platform, an artificial intelligence-based system that helps match Malaysian halal exporters, especially small medium enterprises with international buyers to support genuine cross-border deals.
Meanwhile, Matrade director of halal, food and beverage and agro-based section Yusram Yusof said Malaysia has led the overall global Islamic economy indicator ranking for 11 consecutive years in the halal industry.
'The halal industry stands in the top 10 among other industries, contributing RM161bil to this year's gross domestic product,' he said.
Last year, Malaysia's halal exports were valued at RM61.8bil, marking a 15% increase from the previous year.
'The sector supports more than 350,000 jobs nationwide and is anchored by 14 halal parks, which have attracted RM3.8bil in investments and are home to over 300 companies.
He also said Malaysia has come up with a comprehensive halal ecosystem.
'If there are good strategies in place, we can meet the target set by our Prime Minister to achieve RM80bil halal export,' he added.
Recently, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, when tabling the 13th Malaysia Plan, said Malaysia hoped to achieve RM80bil halal export.
Mihas 2025, themed 'Pinnacle of Halal Excellence', will be held from Sept 17 to 20 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre.
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