World Halal Week 2014 (WHW 2014) is set to open its doors to welcome thousands of participants and guests consisting of local and foreign companies, business leaders, scholars, government agencies and trade organizations from all over the world.
The WHW 2014 will run from April 9 to 12 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) with the theme “Energizing halal business growth.’’
A collaborative effort under the patronage of the Malaysian Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), WHW 2014 is organized with the coordination of two different organizations – Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) by Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and the World Halal Conference (WHC) by Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC).
Last year, MIHAS 2013 recorded some RM411 million in negotiated and immediate sales during incoming buying mission programme (IBM) bringing the total sales for both IBM and during the 4-day exhibition to RM798.73 million.
Hadzizi Noor Shahidan of the corporate communication unit responsible for the media hospitality program said: “For 2013, eight companies from Saudi Arabia participated in MIHAS; most of the companies were interested in importing food products such as sauces and paste, blended oil, soap noodles, other oleo chemicals, palm oil-based products, prepared food, health drinks, refine palm oil, cooking oil other, cooking oil other than palm oil as well as first-aid kit of toiletries such as cotton buds, cotton balls, nail polish remover with sponge, bar toilet soap.
“In addition, some companies were interested to explore on products such as perfumery, cosmetics and personal and body care for face scrub, body scrub, hair gel, hair food, hair serum, hair mousse, hair care, body care, nail care, hygienic products.”
Speaking to Arab News, he said: “In terms of import value last year, the participants recorded an amount $2.40 million out of $128 million, which is almost 2 percent of the total purchasing value. This year, MIHAS 2014, as part of MIHAS’s attraction, the incoming buying mission (IBM) organized by MATRADE, brings more than 500 pre-selected foreign buyers every year to partake in personalized and pre-arranged one-to-one business meetings with local manufacturers of halal products and services.
“Targeted to bring in thousands of delegates and exhibitors from over 50 countries, The World Halal Week, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia 2014 is “definitely an event not to be missed.”
“MIHAS 2014 has expanded its space to provide an additional 102 booths to a total of 620 booths this year as compared to 518 booths last year. This is to accommodate to the high demand for halal products that has expanded beyond food products into pharmaceutical, cosmetics, personal care products and financial services.
MIHAS 2014 also welcomes Saudi Economic Development Authority (SEDA) participation this year with 40 companies. Their presence will help to create more opportunities for Malaysian producers to collaborate and tap into the huge halal market demand within the Gulf Cooperation Council,” he added.
Given the unique and growing trend of the halal economy, Malaysia is always at the forefront in developing this industry in totality, which is not only confined to a single sector but multiple sectors that will continue to diversify over time. However, while the potential of the halal industry remains robust, there are still many hurdles to overcome to realize the full potential of this sector.
The WHW 2014 is organized solely to ensure that despite being a composite industry, the halal industry will continue to evolve, providing opportunities for businesses to expand and excel further while addressing the challenges that it confronts.
MIHAS has grown significantly since its inception 11 years ago. The presence of a large number of exhibitors, both local and international as well as trade buyers, indicate that MIHAS has established itself as the premier international exhibition for halal products and services.
MIHAS is one of the significant contributions to the global halal industry where it completes the halal eco-system by being an excellent platform for halal manufacturers, suppliers and distributors from all over the world to gather, meet, network and trade with halal industry stakeholders. WHW 2014 hopes to continue leading the halal industry, giving positive impact to the global market, driven by these faith-based commercial activities.
