THE 17th edition of the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (Mihas 2021) generated total sales of RM985.3 million in the first four days, receiving over 8,500 virtual visitors comprising local and international companies.
According to Malaysia External Trade Development Corp (Matrade) CEO Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz, Malaysian exhibitors too did very well, reporting sales amounting to RM341.1 million during the first four days of the virtual showcase.
“The creation of market opportunities for domestic halal players is part of Matrade’s effort in supporting the nation’s economic recovery,” he said in a statement yesterday.
For the first four-days of Mihas 2021, sectors that recorded the highest total sales were Islamic financial services (RM380.9 million with 38.7% of total share), beverages (RM217.5 million, 22.1%), pharmaceutical, toiletries and cosmetics (RM123.2 million, 12.5%), prepared food (RM80.0 million, 8.1%), and palm oil products (RM 57.1 million or 5.8%).
Mohd Mustafa highlighted that the total sales generated by Mihas 2021 thus far amounts to RM1.6 billion after incorporating sales from the ongoing virtual exhibition and the International Sourcing Programme (INSP) sales.
He said Mihas has clearly made a strong comeback despite two years of absence and being presented for the first time through a virtual format.
“Although, there were initial concerns if the industry will react positively to the virtual format, to our pleasant surprise, the response has been overwhelming. For example, apart from the sales that Mihas 2021 has generated, it also secured 549 virtual booths compared to the target of 500 booths,” he said.
The premier halal showcase also witnessed an increase in the number of participation from international companies, highlighting the trust among the global business community towards the trade fair.
Through the virtual platform, the exhibitors from 43 different countries, including first-time participants from, among others Mexico, Guatemala, Trinidad and Tobago, and Colombia were able to engage with buyers from various different countries throughout different time zones at all hours.
“Mihas 2021 managed to attract global halal players to visit and transact on the platform as it was developed in a holistic manner incorporating various different components such as the 12 different industry zones and knowledge-hub sharing sessions as well as the support from Matrade’s 46 global offices.
“We are confident that the 18th edition of Mihas next year will be on a bigger scale with commitment for continued synergy between physical and virtual format to reach out more Halal industry players,” Mohd Mustafa said.
There was also strong interest in the topics promoted under the knowledge-hub component of Mihas 2021 as over 1,000 viewers from around the world congregated virtually in these thought-provoking dialogues from Sept 10 to 12, 2021.
Sessions that were promoted by the knowledge hub programme included those covering Islamic financing, innovation and business sustainability, digital technologies and the role of women entrepreneurs and perspectives from the youth in the halal economy.
