Matrade Expects Improved Sales At Mihas 2009

KUALA LUMPUR, (Bernama) — Malaysia External Trade
Development Corporation (Matrade) expects to improve on the RM2.2
billion sales recorded last year under its Incoming Buying Mission
programme at this year’s Malaysia International Halal Showcase (Mihas),
its director of products section, products and services department, Wan
Norma Wan Daud said.

She said more than 600 buyers from over 40 countries are participating in this year’s business matching programme.

“Mihas 2009 aims to foster stronger trade connection with global
halal players to provide mutual support in expanding the halal market
amid the current economic slowdown,” she told a media briefing here
today.

Last year, about 10,000 business matchings were recorded during Mihas, she added.

For this year’s incoming buying mission (IBM) programme, Wan Norma
said the focus would be on selecting quality and premium buyers
worldwide and there will be opportunities for Malaysian companies to
sell their products to overseas buyers.

The IBM programme will be held from May 5 to 6.

Mihas 2009, which will be held from May 6-10 at the Matrade
Exhibition and Convention Centre, will feature five key sectors namely
food and beverage; pharmaceuticals and herbal products; cosmetics and
healthcare; banking and finance; and food processing and packaging
machinery.

About 529 companies are participating in the exhibition of which 147 are international companies.

Five new entrants — France, Russia, South Korea, Taiwan and
Tunisia will be participating for the first time to promote their Halal
products in Mihas 2009.

Apart from the IBM and exhibition, seminars and trade briefings
will also be organised from May 5-8 where invited speakers will provide
information on the current development and opportunities in the halal
industry.

In conjunction with Mihas, an international culinary competition,
Mihas Apprentice Chefs’ Competition (MACC) will be held for the first
time from May 8-10.

The event will be an annual event starting this year, giving
opportunity for young aspiring chefs to use their creativity in using
halal products for their cuisines.

— BERNAMA