MIHAS 2025 Surpasses 2,300-booth Mark, Signalling Strong Global Halal Demand
By Fatin Umairah Abdul Hamid
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 30 (Bernama) -- The Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2025 has surpassed its initial target of 2,300 booths, with over 2,380 booths already confirmed from 45 countries, reflecting strong global demand for halal trade opportunities.
Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said almost all booths for MIHAS 2025 have been taken up, and plans are being considered to expand further to 2,400.
He said the International Sourcing Programme (INSP), regarded as the “soul” of MIHAS through its business-matching platform, will once again play a crucial role this year.
“Last year, MIHAS generated RM4.3 billion in sales over four days. This year, I am optimistic the figure will be even higher, especially with the participation of 50 premium buyers whose combined sales turnover amounts to RM1.5 trillion,” he told Bernama after appearing on Bernama TV’s Ruang Bicara programme yesterday.
MIHAS 2025, scheduled for Sept 17 to 20 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), is expected to attract over 45,000 trade visitors and feature more than 2,300 booths from 45 countries.
He added that INSP would include pre-vetting and pre-arranged meetings to ensure that business-matching sessions at MIHAS 2025 are highly targeted and minimise mismatches.
Reezal Merican highlighted that one of this year’s showcase strengths is stronger participation from South America, particularly Brazil, which is expected to make a notable presence alongside buyers from Argentina, Chile and Uruguay.
He said this reflects the government’s efforts to strengthen economic ties with South American countries, including through Malaysia’s engagement with BRICS.
“Our trade volume with South American countries is relatively modest, but with the government’s strategy of adopting a more open approach and its move towards joining BRICS, new pathways are opening for stronger trade relations,” he said.
He noted that premium buyers from Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Uruguay will attend MIHAS 2025, marking a stronger South American presence compared to last year — a development he attributed to the intensive campaigns and overseas visits by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.
Beyond bilateral opportunities, Reezal Merican said MATRADE also views MIHAS as a platform to reinforce ASEAN’s role in the global halal economy.
“The global halal economy is valued at US$3.5 trillion and is expected to grow to nearly US$5 trillion by 2030. The Muslim population in ASEAN countries alone constitutes almost 40 per cent of the total 680 million,” he shared.
He added that halal products are increasingly sought not only by Muslims but also by non-Muslims due to their emphasis on hygiene, authenticity, safety and sustainability.
-- BERNAMA