Malaysian PM opens global halal expo in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur: Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim officially opened the 20th edition of the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) on Tuesday at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) here.The event, touted as "the world’s largest Halal trade fair,” is expected to attract over 40,000 visitors, showcasing over 2,000 booths and international buyers and exhibitors from 66 countries.Hosted by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry of Malaysia (MITI) and organised by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), MIHAS 2024 will run until September 20.During his speech, Ibrahim lauded MITI and MATRADE for placing the country’s Halal industry under the global spotlight, thus enhancing the traditional understanding of Halal.He emphasised that annual staging of MIHAS provides Malaysia with the opportunity to expand the meaning of Halal from "no pork” and "non-alcoholic” to a broader context, which encompasses health and the "sophisticated used of materials to avoid harmful products,” as well as "cleanliness, efficacy, and the modern utilisation of technology.”Tengku Zafrul Aziz, Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, addressed the opening ceremony saying, nearly 17,000 Malaysian exporters and foreign buyers have benefitted from MIHAS since it was established in 2004."It has generated almost RM25bn in total sales, attracted 500,000 trade visitors and significantly elevated Malaysia’s profile on the global stage,” Aziz said, adding that "MIHAS 2024 is targetting RM3.5bn in sales.”Aziz revealed that Malaysia’s Halal export value is expected to reach nearly "RM55bn in 2023,” marking the second consecutive year it has surpassed the "RM50bn” mark.He said the food and beverage (F&B) category is the largest contributor to Halal exports, with a value of "RM29.37bn,” an increase of nearly "5%” from "RM27.84bn in 2022.” Trailing behind are Halal ingredients, cosmetics and personal care, palm oil derivatives, and the chemical industry and pharmaceuticals, he noted."Despite global economic challenges, Malaysia proudly retains the top spot in the Halal food sector, according to the Global Islamic Economic Indicators (GIEI) 2023. This marks 10 consecutive years of achievement, highlighting Malaysia’s leadership in the global Halal industry."Products like supplements, functional foods, and ingredients are increasingly seeking Halal recognition due to the trust consumers place in them regarding cleanliness and quality,” the minister said.From a service perspective, Aziz pointed out that the Islamic finance sector is widely accepted for its principles of risk-sharing and investment based on Islamic values like justice, sincerity, and social responsibility."These values align closely with the principles of ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance), which are widely promoted by non-Muslim countries."Thus, the Malaysian government proactively supports the Halal industry, as global demand for Halal products and services is projected to reach $5tn by 2030,” said Aziz, adding that the Global Exhibition Industry Association (UFI) has recognised MIHAS as a "UFI-approved international trade fair” and is also acknowledged as "the largest Halal trade fair in the world.”Yesterday’s opening ceremony was also highlighted by the awarding of the "Guinness World Records Award for the Largest Attendance for Halal Trade Show” after MIHAS attracted 38,566 visitors during last year’s edition."MIHAS 2024 aims even higher as this exciting growth further cements MIHAS as the premier global Halal showcase, making it a not-to-be-missed event for industry professionals worldwide,” said MATRADE chairman Reezal Merican Naina Merican. China, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and Thailand are leading the way in international participation at MIHAS 2024, showcasing the event’s impressive global reach.With exhibitors from nearly every continent namely Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, South America and Oceania, it demonstrates MIHAS’ status as a leading international event, drawing a diverse range of participants from across the globe.