The 17th edition of The Malaysia International Halal Exhibition (MIHAS) has commenced with great success following deals facilitated by its organiser, the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) through its International Sourcing Programme (INSP), one of the flagship components of MIHAS.
The INSP MIHAS 2021 has thus far generated deals worth RM694million (USD116.4 million) for Malaysian exporters, representing an increase of 12.96 per cent compared to sales recorded during the INSP programme for MIHAS 2019.
The INSP was organised over five months, as a run up to MIHAS 2021.
INSP is a demand-driven programme in which MATRADE identifies and matches international buyers with Malaysian exporters through its 46 offices worldwide.
Sales generated from INSP MIHAS 2021 are distinct from sales expected to be generated from the 549 exhibitors participating in MIHAS 2021, which ends on 31 December 2021.
In his keynote address at MIHAS 2021 virtual opening ceremony, Senior Minister and Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI), YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, noted that such positive results clearly indicate that despite lockdowns and restricted movements, ample opportunities can be provided for Halal industry players from all over the world to connect.
“Malaysia is committed to advancing the Halal industry’s strong and comprehensive ecosystem, which enables Halal brands to flourish regionally and globally. MITI has spearheaded the Halal Industry Master Plan 2030 to catalyse the country’s Halal industry in a holistic manner, by strengthening and globalising its Halal ecosystem,” he said.
As such, YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali added that he is confident that the virtual edition of MIHAS will serve as the ultimate launchpad for digitally powered Halal brands in the new normal, benefitting not only Malaysian exporters, but anyone interested in the burgeoning global Halal market the world over.
This is reflected in the spread of buyers involved in the business-matching programme. INSP MIHAS 2021 has thus far connected 333 foreign buyers from 61 countries with 385 Malaysian sellers through 610 pre-arranged one-to-one business meetings.
The largest contribution in terms of exports came from ASEAN and Oceania region (RM237.7million), Europe and Americas region (RM142.6million), Central, West, South Asia and Africa region (RM34.3million), and China and Northeast Asia region (RM278.9million).
In addition to the commencement of virtual exhibitions and trade activities, the first day of MIHAS 2021 also witnessed MATRADE inking a tripartite Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with CIMB Islamic Banking Berhad (CIMB) and Malaysian Green Technology And Climate Change Centre (MGTC).
The MoC aims to drive SMEs’ sustainability agenda by nurturing and growing Malaysian green exporters, reflecting Malaysia’s continuous commitment in streamlining with global trends that demand for more sustainable products and services.
According to MATRADE CEO, Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz, the tripartite collaboration between MATRADE, MGTC and CIMB is timely.
“In addition to capacity building for Malaysian companies transitioning to green products and services for export, it positions Malaysia as a sustainable trading nation. Aligned to MATRADE’s Sustainability Action Values for Exporters (SAVE), this collaboration will ensure MATRADE is able to play a leading role in supporting the sustainable development agenda in tandem with the National Trade Blueprint in pursuing sustainability and innovation,” he said.
Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz noted that the unwavering commitment to assist SME exporters was further reflected with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between MATRADE and Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad (BIMB) which will assist to accelerate exports by SMEs through a customised export-financing package, thus tackling an important gap in the export ecosystem.
According to him, MATRADE deems these strategic partnerships between the public and private sector will further strengthen and support SME participation in the global market, which is still experiencing disruption in the global supply chain resulting from COVID-19.
The MIHAS 2021 trade exhibition runs from 9 September to 31 December 2021, offering a borderless Halal market made accessible to trade visitors 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It expects over 15,000 visitors comprising exhibitors, trade buyers, trade associations and international agencies. For more information or to register as a MIHAS 2021 trade visitor visit www.mihas.com.my
THE BRUNEIAN | KUALA LUMPUR
