KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12 — The Malaysia International Halal Showcase (Mihas 2023), launched today by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, has taken a very inclusive approach by giving a greater focus on strategic collaboration with ministries, agencies and state governments.

This is to ensure greater participation from local companies, especially micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME), said Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) in a statement following the launching ceremony.

Its chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz said the 19th edition of the biggest halal showcase in the world has attracted the participation of 34 government agencies.

Furthermore, he said the trade show has stressed that Malaysian exporters’ focus should go beyond the food and beverage segment.

In total, Mihas 2023 features 13 clusters, namely food and beverages, food technology and packaging, pharmaceuticals and medicals, education, and modest fashion and lifestyle, he said.

Other clusters include e-commerce, retail and franchise, Muslim-friendly hospitality and tourism, services and enablers, Islamic finance and financial technology (fintech), media and recreation, cosmetics and personal care, and Islamic arts and crafts.

Additionally, Mohd Mustafa said the fair features other components, including the international sourcing programme, which brings together close to 500 international buyers to hold physical and virtual business meetings with 822 Malaysian exporters.

He said these buyers include 11 premium buyers from eight countries, namely Australia, France, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Qatar, Thailand, Turkiye and the United Kingdom.

They represent some of the largest conglomerates, retail, international procurement centres and hypermarkets with nationwide outlets, whose collective revenue amounts to US$28 billion (RM130 billion).

Mohd Mustafa said as part of the fair, the knowledge hub will set up meet-the-experts sessions to provide insights on trends, market access and sourcing requirements via direct engagements with premium buyers.

These sessions will be moderated by prominent business leaders representing chambers of commerce and trade associations, thereby underscoring the role of Mihas 2023 as a platform to foster knowledge exchange and collaboration.

"Moreover, Mihas 2023 will feature the Mihas Awards event, which encompasses two main categories, Mihas Excellence Award and Mihas Innovative Award, to celebrate the excellence and uniqueness of exhibitors and halal products and services, to be held on September 13,” he added.

Hosted by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (Miti) and organised by Matrade, Mihas 2023 showcases close to 1,900 booths from 44 participating countries.

The trade show, held from September 12-15 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre, is expected to attract 35,000 visitors. — Bernama