@Halal September/October 2021 | Page 11

17th Edition of halal showcase presents the longestrunning virtual halal showcase across three months
September-October . 2021 | @ Halal

MIHAS 2021

11

Poised to revitalise global halal economy

17th Edition of halal showcase presents the longestrunning virtual halal showcase across three months

THE GLOBAL halal economy shifts into high gear and will receive a much-needed stimulus during the 17th edition of the Malaysia International Halal Showcase ( MIHAS 2021 ).

MIHAS , which is hosted by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry ( MITI ) and organised by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation ( MATRADE ), starts on Sept 9 , 2021 .
According to MATRADE Chairman , Tan Sri Dr Halim Mohammad , speaking at the event ’ s 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 be virtually accessible until Dec 31 , 2021 , as it plans to become a catalyst in revitalising the global halal economy , which is facing challenges posed by the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic .
“ MATRADE is delighted to yet again organise MIHAS , which promises to offer an abundance of trade opportunities and trending market insights related to the global Halal economy ,” said Halim .
“ For the first time , this edition of MIHAS is presented in a digital format . We look forward to revitalising Malaysia ’ s position as the global halal hub with another successful showcase this year , a positive beacon amid the challenging environment .”
Halim stressed at the same time , the facilitation of virtual cross border trade and knowledge exchanges at MIHAS 2021 would prepare both local and international exporters to capitalise on the ever-present opportunities in the global economy .
He pointed out that this year , the virtual showcase was structured into three major components comprising :
• Virtual exhibition .
• B2B Business matching ( International
Sourcing Programme - INSP ) also known as eBizMatch .
• Knowledge Hub .
The virtual exhibition this year features 549 virtual exhibitors with 52 per cent or 303 comprising international exhibitors from 43 different countries . The top five countries are Indonesia ( 45 exhibitors ), China ( 25 exhibitors ), the Philippines ( 20 exhibitors ), South Korea ( 18 exhibitors ) and Thailand ( 16 exhibitors ).
The top halal segments this year are represented primarily by :
• Food and Beverage ( 327 exhibitors ).
• Services and Enablers ( 51 exhibitors ).
• Cosmetics and Personal Care ( 39 exhibitors ).
• Modest Fashion ( 38 exhibitors ).
• Food Technology ( 34 exhibitors ).
MATRADE ’ s signature virtual International Sourcing Programme , eBizMatch , is a testament to the agency ’ s efforts in integrating digitalisation 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 livestreamed on the MIHAS Virtual platform scheduled over three days , Sept 10-12 .
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 , Halim said MATRADE would be inking a string of public-private partnerships at the official launch on Sept 9 .
MIHAS 2021 offers 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 the first time , this edition of MIHAS is presented in a digital format . We look forward to revitalising Malaysia ’ s position as the global halal hub with another successful showcase this year , a positive beacon amid the challenging environment .” — Dr Halim Mohammad