INGAPORE, Feb 17 (Bernama) — Singapore halal product companies are showing greater interest in the annual Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) and the organiser is at his wits’ end on how to accommodate them in the 8th edition of the event in Kuala Lumpur from April 6-9.
Organiser, MIHAS Chief Executive Officer Mohd Shukri Abdullah said, the booth space at the event venue, the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), has been 90 per cent sold or nearly taken up by Malaysian and international exhibitors.
But, he added,there are still last minute requests by Singapore companies to participate.
He said over 30 countries are expected to participate in the 8th MIHAS and they have been allotted a limited and fair share of booth space.
Mohd Shukri was here to promote MIHAS among Singapore firms so that, they will not miss out on the world-class offering, which is also the best platform to source halal products from Malaysia.
They can also use MIHAS, a halal global brand, to tap into the halal world market’s large potential.
Speaking at a media briefing, he said there were many companies from repeat participating nations like Iran and China as well as newcomer Turkey, wanting more booth space.
The request could not be be accommodated due to space constraints at the KLCC.
Last year, a total of 527 exhibitors, including 163 international companies, from 32 countries partcipated in the 7th MIHAS which attracted over 35,000 visitors from 59 countries.
Mohd Shukri said as in the later part of the series, the 2010 MIHAS show also breached the RM1 billion mark in total sales, raking in RM1.17 billion and the figure is proof that the halal business is growing.
Singapore-based Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation Trade (MATRADE) Commissioner Naim Abdul Rahman said the total sales of halal products and services at this year’s MIHAS is expected to increase by 10 percent to RM1.28 billion.
He said although many Singaporean companies might not be able to showcase their halal products, he hoped to see the city-state send the largest business delegation, including quality buyers, to MIHAS.
It is understood that there are over 500 companies dealing in halal products and services in Singapore.
Last year, the annual global market for halal food trade was valued at US$500 billion, with Asia providing the best market for halal products with its over one billion Muslim population.
— BERNAMA
