Qatar firms urged to join Halal expo in Malaysia

Companies in Qatar stand to gain from participating in the upcoming Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS 2024) slated from September 17 to 20 in Kuala Lumpur, an official of the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) has said.
Dubai-based MATRADE trade commissioner Megat Iskandar Ahmad Dassilah emphasised that Malaysia’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in the Halal industry will be strongly reflected in this year’s edition of MIHAS 2024.
Under the theme ‘Globalising Halal Innovations’, Dassilah said the event will be positioned as the leading platform for global Halal companies to showcase their most innovative Halal products, services and technologies through 14 curated clusters.
The event which is hosted by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) and organised by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), will run from 17 to 20 September 2024 at the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Dassilah noted that as a globally recognised event, MIHAS stands as a testament to Malaysia’s pioneering role in the Halal industry, supported by its well-developed Halal ecosystem. He said the event symbolises two decades of dedication to fostering trade and innovation within the Halal sector, solidifying its position as a key platform for showcasing Halal products and services.
He urged Qatari companies looking for quality Halal products and services to visit MIHAS in Kuala Lumpur: “Our office in Doha is ready to assist Qatari companies to be connected with reliable Malaysian exporters of Halal products and services.” According to Dassilah, the latest edition of MIHAS, which pushes for greater innovation within the global Halal ecosystem, will not only solidify Malaysia’s position as the global hub for the Halal industry but is also in line with the objectives of the country’s ‘New Industrial Master Plan 2030’ (NIMP 2030) and the ‘Halal Industrial Master Plan 2030’ (HIMP 2030).
He stressed that the emphasis on innovation and sustainability leverages the NIMP’s focus on transforming Malaysia’s economy by fostering economic complexity, advancing technological innovation, pursuing net zero emissions, and ensuring economic security and inclusivity, which are pivotal in Malaysia’s drive towards sustaining its leadership within the dynamic global Halal ecosystem.
“Recognised as one of the high-impact industries in the ‘12th Malaysia Plan’ (12MP), Halal plays a pivotal role in Malaysia’s overall development. The elements of innovation and sustainability will be showcased in the products and services promoted during MIHAS 2024. These product segments include pharmaceuticals, Islamic finance, fintech, lifestyle, modest fashion, food ingredients, and related services.
“The overall emphasis will be on the value-added component and the value chain integrity offered by the Halal ecosystem. Halal certification instils trust among global consumers and is often in line with Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) expectations,” Dassilah explained.
Since its inception in 2004, Dassilah said MIHAS continues to attract numerous buyers, distributors, and investors worldwide. Serving as a comprehensive hub, it offers businesses a platform to showcase the latest trends and technologies in the Halal industry, facilitating market expansion opportunities.
“By providing insights into market developments and consumer preferences, MIHAS is proven to be an enabler for businesses to stay abreast of industry advancements and maintain competitiveness in the global Halal market. This year, the showcase aims to attract over 40,000 trade visitors and feature 2,000 exhibition booths from 45 countries, including Malaysia,” Dassilah emphasised.
In addition, the MIHAS Knowledge Hub returns, offering a series of conferences, forums, and seminars which focus on providing insights into trends, market access and sourcing requirements with leading keynote speakers, industry experts, and thought leaders. This initiative aims to provide an invaluable platform for the global Halal business community to exchange experiences and insights relevant to the industry.
According to Dassilah, MATRADE’s collaboration with industry partners ensures the ongoing relevance and success of MIHAS. These initiatives highlight MIHAS’ commitment towards innovation, which has been recognised by the global trade community by awarding MATRADE with the World Trade Promotion Organisation (WTPO) Award for ‘Best Use of Information Technology’ in 2022.
As part of its internationalisation strategy, Dassilah said MIHAS will make its debut in the Middle East this year with MIHAS@Dubai, which will take place alongside the Middle East Organic and Natural Product Expo in Dubai from November 18 to 20.
“This landmark initiative is set to elevate the brand significantly and leverage the immense potential of the halal industry in the region. The inaugural event will feature 150 to 200 participants from small, medium, and large-scale companies, presenting a diverse array of Malaysian halal products and services,” Dassilah added.