MATRADE Targets RM2.5 Bln In Sales At INSP Mihas 2025

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 17 (Bernama) -- The International Sourcing Programme (INSP) aims to achieve RM2.5 billion in sales from more than 4,000 one-to-one business meetings at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) today.

The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) chairman, Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said the programme -- held in conjunction with the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2025 -- connects 300 international buyers from 50 countries with 600 Malaysian exporters.

“This is not just about short-term deals but long-term partnerships in high-value markets. The buyers have been carefully vetted by MATRADE’s trade commissioners worldwide to ensure that the chances of mismatched meetings are low,” he told reporters.

Reezal Merican said the participation of premium buyers such as China’s JD.com and India’s Reliance Industries Ltd provides Malaysian exporters, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), an opportunity to penetrate international retail networks.

“JD.com alone records annual sales of RM700 billion, and Reliance about RM500 billion. If Malaysian exporters are able to capture even one per cent of their combined market, the value would be significant,” he said.

He said MATRADE ensures only export-ready companies participate in the programme.

“Some companies are capable producers but have been focused only on the domestic market. Once they are export-ready, MATRADE serves as the gateway for them to enter the international stage,” he said.

In a separate statement, MATRADE chief executive officer Datuk Seri Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz said the 4,000 meetings conducted today are aimed at creating sustainable trade partnerships rather than one-off transactions.

“One of the key strengths of INSP MIHAS is MATRADE’s ability to leverage our network of 48 overseas trade offices to curate and pre-qualify buyers, which ensures that the business meetings are highly targeted, connecting Malaysian companies with buyers who have genuine demand,” he said.

This year’s programme also introduced the artificial intelligence (AI)-powered MADANI Digital Trade (MDT) platform to match Malaysian exporters with international buyers using market data and business preferences. 

The platform will continue to support the virtual component of INSP MIHAS 2025 until Nov 5, enabling exporters and buyers to connect online beyond today’s physical session.

Exporters and buyers may visit the official MIHAS 2025 website to obtain further details at https://www.mihas.com.my/index.php.

-- BERNAMA