Latest news with #Mihas
The Star
05-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Richiamo Coffee to open in Cambodia, Australia by September
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian coffee shop chain Richiamo Coffee Sdn Bhd, plans to expand internationally, targeting between five and 10 global markets within the next five years. Richiamo Group managing director Datuk Muhamad Zamry Abu Samah said the company will begin by opening outlets in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and Melbourne, Australia, this September. He noted that Richiamo Coffee has been actively participating in international expos since last year to identify potential markets. 'Among the expos we participated in were held in Melbourne, Australia, and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia last year. 'We also took part in the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (Mihas) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates in November. 'This year, we will attend expos in Osaka, Japan, and Germany,' he said in the latest programme produced by Bernama TV, Bual Bisnes, which aired last Saturday. Richiamo Coffee has also attracted interest from Uzbekistan and has signed a memorandum of understanding with stakeholders in the country. 'For global operations, Richiamo Coffee is keen to collaborate with investors interested in setting up a central kitchen in their respective countries to reduce production and logistics costs. 'Such an approach will also help us minimise import duties on our products,' he said. On domestic expansion, Muhamad Zamry said the company plans to increase the number of local outlets to 350 in the near future. Since its establishment in 2016, Richiamo Coffee has recorded rapid growth, with 220 outlets currently operating across Malaysia. Richiamo Mart, the group's retail-business arm, now also has 20 branches, he noted. 'We plan to boost product innovation by introducing new items every three months to attract new customers and retain existing ones,' he added. Richiamo Coffee participated in the Franchising and Business Opportunities Expo in Melbourne last October, where the Malaysian pavilion was hosted by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corp.
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
Malay Mail
01-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Halal exports hit record RM61.79b as Malaysia maintains global leadership, says Tengku Zafrul
KUALA LUMPUR, May 1 — Malaysia's halal product exports reached RM61.79 billion in 2024, marking a 15 per cent increase from RM53.72 billion recorded in the same period of 2023, said Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz. He noted that Malaysia has maintained its top position in the Global Islamic Economy Indicator rankings for 10 consecutive years, ahead of Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates. 'Malaysia's strength lies in Islamic finance, halal food, as well as media and recreation. 'The halal industry constitutes a significant portion of Malaysia's gross domestic product (GDP), with projections estimating a 10.8 per cent contribution or RM231 billion by 2030. This growth is primarily driven by a robust halal ecosystem across sectors such as food, finance, and travel,' he said. He made these remarks in his officiating speech at the soft launch of the 21st Malaysia International Halal Showcase (Mihas) 2025, here yesterday. The speech was delivered by deputy secretary-general (Industry) Datuk Hanafi Sakri. Tengku Zafrul said the global demand for halal products is currently valued at over US$3 trillion and is expected to grow to US$5 trillion by 2030, underscoring the global appeal of halal's ethical and sustainable attributes. 'Malaysia's leadership in this sector is a testament to our continued innovation and dedication. 'Among the major international halal market players are Nestlé, Allana Group, Cargill Incorporated and Fraser & Neave. I am proud to note that several Malaysian companies such as DagangHalal Group, Prima Quality Food Industries, Kawan Food Bhd, Crescent Foods, QL Foods Sdn Bhd, and Ayamas Food Corporation, are also recognised among the top players globally,' he said. He highlighted that this year's Mihas theme, 'Pinnacle of Halal Excellence', reflects its standing as the world's leading and most prestigious halal showcase. 'With greater international participation anticipated, Mihas 2025 is set to be larger and more dynamic than previous editions. It will showcase the latest halal products, services, and technologies, highlighting the industry's latest advancements,' he said. Mihas 2025 is scheduled to take place on Sept 17-20, 2025, at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec). Tengku Zafrul also stated that halal-related initiatives are part of the Priority Economic Deliverables for 2025 (PEDs), particularly in the context of Malaysia's Asean chairmanship. 'Malaysia is actively promoting the halal industry as a key driver of economic growth and regional cooperation. 'There will be a dedicated pavilion representing Asean's halal industry, as well as a special pavilion for companies from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which is a strategic partner of Asean, featured at Mihas this year,' he shared. He also noted that Mihas's internationalisation effort debuted in Dubai last year and will continue with an edition in Shanghai this November. Since its inception in 2004, Mihas has expanded from 500 booths to 2,100 booths in its most recent edition. 'I would like to highlight that the 20th edition of Mihas marked a record-breaking achievement for both the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry and the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation, recording RM4.3 billion in sales,' he said. To date, Mihas has generated nearly RM30 billion in export sales and attracted 12,000 local and international halal industry players, along with over 500,000 trade visitors from around the globe. Additionally, over 7,000 international buyers have been matched with 10,000 Malaysian companies through Mihas's flagship business programme, the International Sourcing Programme (INSP). — Bernama
The Sun
30-04-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Mihas 2025 targets global halal trade sales of RM4.5 billion
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia International Halal Showcase 2025 (Mihas 2025) – the 21st in the series – is targeting global trade sales of RM4.5 billion. Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said Mihas 2025, scheduled to be held from Sept 17 to 20 at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre, will harness its groundbreaking artificial intelligence-powered Madani Digital Trade Platform The platform will connect businesses, optimise trade matchmaking and enhance global halal trade opportunities, he said at the soft launch of Mihas 2025 – which carries the theme 'Pinnacle of Halal Excellence' – today. Hosted by the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) and organised by Matrade, Mihas 2025 builds on a legacy of excellence, with Mihas 2024 recording RM4.3 billion in sales and attracting more than 43,000 visitors from 90 countries. Reezal said that at the heart of this innovation is the integration of the Madani Digital Trade Platform into Mihas's flagship International Sourcing Programme, a business matching programme that generated RM2.53 billion in sales last year. 'Leveraging AI algorithms, the platform will intelligently match Malaysian exporters with targeted international buyers, based on real-time data, market trends and business preferences.' This pioneering move aligns with Malaysia's broader national digitalisation efforts and its vision under the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 and the National Trade Blueprint, Reezal said. 'It also supports Matrade's commitment to empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with cutting-edge digital tools to expand their global reach,' he added. As Malaysia is the Asean Chair in 2025, Reezal said, Mihas will also serve as a regional platform for collaboration, featuring dedicated pavilions from Asean, dialogue partners and the Gulf Cooperation Council, further amplifying intra-Asean trade and halal partnerships with the Gulf region. He said Mihas 2025 will redefine how businesses connect, collaborate and thrive, with the Madani Digital Trade Platform, aimed at empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises to access international markets seamlessly and more efficiently. 'Despite global trade tensions, Matrade remains steadfast in enhancing Malaysia's export initiatives, focusing on high growth emerging and fast growing markets such as Africa, Middle East and Latin America,' Reezal said Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said despite ongoing global economic uncertainties, the global halal market is still expected to grow to US$5 trillion by 2030. 'With Malaysia holding the world's gold standard for halal-certified goods and services, this presents a significant opportunity for our exporters to expand their international footprint. To that end, we look forward to harnessing the AI-powered MDT platform to help us achieve Mihas's target of RM4.5 billion sales of high-quality, certified halal products and services for 2025,' he added. Furthermore, Reezal noted that Matrade is confident in achieving RM1.58 trillion in exports for 2025, reinforcing the nation's commitment to trade growth through strategic diversification and global engagement. 'The figure, which matches 2024's record-setting performance, as a 'humble' target, while affirming the agency's resolve not to fall below that benchmark. It cannot go lower than that,' he said, noting that the projection aligns with targets set by Miti. He added that internal strategies are already in motion, guided closely by the ministry, to bolster Malaysia's trade position amid evolving global dynamics.
The Star
30-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
Halal industry set to contribute RM231bil within next five years, says Miti deputy sec-gen
KUALA LUMPUR: The halal industry is projected to contribute RM231bil to the nation's economy within the next five years, says Investment, Trade and Industry (Miti) deputy secretary-general Datuk Hanafi Sakri. He said that this was due to a robust halal ecosystem in sectors such as food, finance and travel. "The halal industry makes up a significant portion of Malaysia's gross domestic product (GDP) with projection estimating that it will reach 10.8% contribution by 2030 or RM231bil," he said this in his speech during the soft launching of the 21st Malaysian International Halal Showcase (Mihas) here on Wednesday (April 30). In 2024, Malaysia's halal product exports reached RM61.79bil, an increase of 15% from RM53.72bil recorded the previous year, added Hanafi. "The growing global demand for halal products is valued at over US$3 trillion (RM12.95 trillion). "It is expected to reach US$5 trillion (RM21.58 trillion) by 2030," he said. According to a Mihas Facebook post, Malaysia is aiming for a RM63.1bil halal export target this year. Hanafi noted that Malaysia continues to maintain its top position in the Global Islamic Economy Indicator (GIEI) rankings for 10 consecutive years, followed by Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and the UAE. He said that Malaysia's strength lies in its Islamic finance, halal food as well as media and recreation. He added that Malaysia's leadership in this sector is a testament to the country's continued innovation and dedication to developing the halal industry. On Mihas, Hanafi lauded its role as a platform for both local and international players to promote their halal products and services since its inception in 2004. "In its 21 years of existence, Mihas has attained incredible achievements. From its humble beginning with only 500 booths, last year Mihas presented nearly 2,100 booths," he said, adding that last year's event recorded sales totalling RM4.3bil. To further solidify Malaysia's status as a global halal leader, he said that several strategic initiatives were outlined in Malaysia's Halal Industry Master Plan 2030 (HIMP 2030) launched in 2023. Meanwhile, in the context of Malaysia's Asean chairmanship, Hanafi said that a special Asean pavilion will be set up at Mihas this year. "In addition to that, there will also be a dedicated pavilion for companies from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, as a strategic partner of Asean featured in Mihas this year," he added. Hanafi later officiated the Mihas soft launching on behalf of Miti Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz who was unable to attend the event. Meanwhile, in his welcoming address, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation's (Matrade) chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said the success of Mihas last year is evidence of its growing significance. "Last year's event achieved a remarkable RM4.3bil in sales which represents a substantial 34% increase compared to the previous year," he said. He added that the event last year attracted over 43,000 visitors from 90 countries. "The bar is now higher for Mihas 2025," he said. Reezal added that the next Mihas international edition will be held in Shanghai this November. "MIHAS@Shanghai will be through strategic participation in the China International Import Expo (CIIE)," he said. He added that the event would further leverage Malaysia's position to cater to the increasing Chinese as well as East Asia's demand for halal products and services. The 21st Mihas, themed "Pinnacle of Halal Excellence", will be held from Sept 17 to 20 this year at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec). Those interested in participating in the event can contact 03-62119973, or email sales@
