Well attended: Mihas 2023 attracted a total of 38,566 visitors from over 100 countries, surpassing the 35,000 visitors anticipated by the organiser.
The Malaysia International Halal Showcase (Mihas) 2023 recorded sales of RM3.11bil, exceeding its initial target of RM2.5bil by 24%.
In a statement, Malaysia External Trade Development Corp (Matrade), the organiser of Mihas 2023, said the sales were contributed by deals from two key segments – the International Sourcing Programme (INSP) for Malaysian exporters and the trade exhibition involving exhibitors from 44 countries.
Preliminary calculations showed that the INSP achieved sales worth RM1.22bil, while the exhibitors garnered total sales of RM1.89bil.
“These preliminary sales figures could potentially increase, as the virtual INSP business matching lasts until Nov 30, 2023,” the statement added.
Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz noted that Malaysia’s Halal Industry Master Plan 2030 targets an industry contribution of RM266bil, or 11% of the country’s gross domestic product by 2030.
“In achieving this, we will continue to build on the momentum generated by Mihas 2023, particularly in facilitating market access for our halal industry players to major supply chains globally,” he noted.
Tengku Zafrul said platforms like Mihas also contribute significantly to the government’s objective of internationalising micro, small and medium enterprises and strengthening Malaysia’s position as the halal hub in Asia, in line with the New Industrial Master Plan 2030’s economic security and inclusivity agenda.
“We are committed to promoting sustainable growth and ensuring that the halal industry continues to thrive in a responsible and environmentally friendly manner,” he added.
Meanwhile, Matrade chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican pointed out that Mihas 2023 also placed due emphasis on collaboration, with over 30 memorandum of understandings exchanged throughout Mihas.
“Matrade also expended considerable effort to engage other government organisations, resulting in the participation of 34 federal and state agencies in this year’s Mihas,” he noted.
He added that over 800 exhibitors have expressed interest in participating in Mihas 2024, scheduled for Sept 17 to Sept 20, 2024.
The statement further noted that Mihas 2023’s focus on elements of sustainability and digitalisation has further enhanced its value to the global halal community.
Mihas 2023 attracted a total of 38,566 visitors from over 100 countries, surpassing the anticipated 35,000 visitors.
Among them, 29,090 attended in person, while 9,476 joined virtually.
The in-person INSP connected 469 Malaysian companies with 231 international buyers from 44 countries, facilitating a total of 2,788 business meetings.
