Malaysia: Halfest aims for RM28 million in sales

KUALA LUMPUR: Halal Fiesta Malaysia (Halfest) 2011, the  biggest Halal product and services expo in Malaysia, is aiming for sales of up to RM28 million.

Halfest 2011 is organised by Shapers Malaysia Sdn Bhd and Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) with CIMB Islamic as the main sponsor.

To be held from October 12 to 16 at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) here, the event would be officiated by the Minister of International Trade and Industry, Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed.

“Halfest is the right platform for entrepreneurs from the Halal industry to target their products at local consumers while seeking to expand networking among themselves,” Shapers Malaysia chief executive officer, Mohd Syukri Abdullah told Bernama here yesterday.

Mohd Syukri said apart from trying to inculcate the culture of using Halal products among Muslims in Malaysia, Halfest was also a medium for the early preparation by small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs)to explore a wider market.

He said 650 companies were expected to be involved in the expo this time with 90 per cent of the 727 exhibition slots already sold.

“We expect all the available space to be sold soon,” he added.

He also said RM1.95 million had been allocated for the purpose of advertisements and promotions.

Mohd Syukri said the expo would focus more on the participation of entrepreneurs from the SME industry, with 75 per cent of the overall space having been allocated for this group.

“At the same time, we hope that the 25 per cent participation of large companies will help raise the spirit of the SME entrepreneurs in the search   for opportunities and ideas for overseas marketing,” he added.

There were no charges for the public to attend the Halfest and it was expected to attract 50,000 visitors. — Bernama