Mihas 2021 To Help Revitalize Global Halal Economy

The global halal economy shifts into high gear and will receive a much-needed stimulus as the 17th edition of The Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS 2021), which is hosted by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) and organized by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), readies to kick-off on 9 September 2021.

According to MATRADE Chairman, Tan Sri Dr. Halim Mohammad, speaking at the MIHAS 2021 virtual media launch, MIHAS 2021 is poised to become the longest-running global halal trade showcase in the world.

Themed ‘Empowering Halal, Tomorrow, Together, MIHAS 2021 will virtually be accessible until 31 December 2021 as it plans to become a catalyst in revitalizing the global halal economy, which is facing challenges posed by the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“MATRADE is delighted to yet again organize MIHAS, which promises to offer an abundance of trade opportunities and trending market insights related to the global Halal economy. For the first time, this edition of MIHAS is presented in a digital format. We look forward to revitalizing Malaysia’s position as the global Halal hub with another successful showcase this year, a positive beacon amid the challenging environment,” he said.

Tan Sri Dr. Halim Mohammad stressed that at the same time, the facilitation of virtual cross border trade and knowledge exchanges at MIHAS 2021 will prepare both local and international exporters to capitalize on the ever-present opportunities in the global economy. He pointed out that this year, the virtual showcase is structured into three major components comprising:

1. Virtual exhibition;

2. B2B Business matching (International Sourcing Programme – INSP) also known as eBizMatch; and

3. Knowledge Hub.

The virtual exhibition this year features 549 virtual exhibitors with 52% or 303 comprising international exhibitors from 43 different countries. The top five countries include:

1. Indonesia (45 exhibitors);

2. China (25 exhibitors);

3. Philippines (20 exhibitors);

4. South Korea (18 exhibitors); and

5. Thailand (16 exhibitors).

The top Halal segments this year are represented primarily by:

1. Food and Beverage (327 exhibitors);

2. Services and Enablers (51 exhibitors);

3. Cosmetics and Personal Care (39exhibitors);

4. Modest Fashion (38 exhibitors); and

5. Food Technology (34 exhibitors).

MATRADE’s signature virtual International Sourcing Programme, eBizMatch, is a testament to the agency’s efforts in integrating digitalization in trade promotion, thus mitigating the impact of border closures and lockdowns resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

eBizMatch has been embedded as a key component of MIHAS 2021 to introduce and connect more Malaysian exporters to new potential markets and international buyers throughout the three-month exhibition period ending in December 2021.

The Knowledge Hub, the third component of MIHAS 2021, offers registered trade visitors thought-provoking dialogues on Halal-related topics covering Islamic financing, innovation, and business sustainability, digital technologies the role of women, and perspectives from young entrepreneurs in the Halal economy, among others.

Prominent policymakers, strategic thinkers, academicians as well as industry leaders and influencers will offer their perspectives and thoughts in a total of 13 market access and plenary sessions, which will be live-streamed on the MIHAS Virtual platform scheduled over three days, 10 to 12 September. The digital capabilities of MIHAS 2021 enable playbacks for all sessions, accommodating particularly international trade visitors in different time zones.

MIHAS 2021 collaborative partners comprise leading advocates of the Halal economy: Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad (BIMB); Malaysian conglomerate and leading producer of coconut-based products, LINACO; Standard Chartered Saadiq Berhad; and CIMB Islamic Banking Berhad (CIMB).

In a bid to further advance Malaysia’s export development, Tan Sri Dr. Halim said that MATRADE will be inking a string of public-private partnerships at the official launch of MIHAS 2021 on 9 September.

Upon opening its virtual doors on 9 September, the MIHAS 2021 trade exhibition will offer the local and international trade community a borderless Halal market, accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week for more than three months. For more information or to register as a MIHAS 2021 trade visitor visit www.mihasvirtual.com.my