Malaysia to Globalize Halal Innovations at MIHAS 2024 in KL and Dubai

With the soft launch of the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2024, Malaysia is poised to solidify its role as a global leader in the Halal industry, targeting growth in emerging markets including Central Asia, Europe, and Africa. Hosted by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) and organized by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), MIHAS serves as a premier platform for both local and international companies to exhibit their Halal products, services, and innovations.

MATRADE Chairman YB Dato’ Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican noted the exceptional success of MIHAS 2023, with sales hitting RM3.11 billion, a 24% increase over targets, supported by exhibitors from 44 countries across nearly 1,900 booths. This momentum underscores MIHAS’s critical role in maintaining Malaysia’s lead in the Global Islamic Economy Indicator for over a decade.

During his virtual speech, MITI Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz reflected on MIHAS’s evolution since its inception in 2004 and its impact on Malaysia’s standing as a top supplier of diverse Halal-certified products including food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Notably, Halal product exports surged by nearly 49% to approximately RM60 billion in 2022 from RM40 billion in 2018. The global Halal industry, he emphasized, is on track to reach a valuation of USD 3.1 trillion in goods, with Islamic Financial Assets projected at USD 5.95 trillion.

In line with this growth, MIHAS 2024 will introduce several new features. Notably, for the first time in its 20-year history, MIHAS will expand internationally with an edition in Dubai, set within the Middle East Organic and Natural Product Expo. This expansion is expected to generate RM1 billion in sales. The showcase will include 2,000 booths from 45 countries and attract over 40,000 trade visitors. New sectors such as food ingredients will be added to the existing 14 product clusters to cater to the burgeoning F&B industry.

Additionally, the International Sourcing Programme (INSP) anticipates hosting 500 international buyers in a mix of physical and virtual meetings with Malaysian exporters, facilitating direct business engagements and partnerships.

Dato’ Seri Reezal Merican stressed the strategic importance of exploring further international opportunities, particularly in key markets like China and Central Asia. “Our expansion plans are thoughtfully mapped out to introduce MIHAS to important markets, aligning with our broader vision of fostering international partnerships and promoting Malaysian products to a wider audience,” he stated.

MIHAS 2024 will take place from September 17th – 20th at MITEC, Kuala Lumpur, and MIHAS@Dubai from November 18th – 20th. For more information on visiting or exhibiting, please visit the MIHAS website.