First fully virtual MIHAS 2021 generates RM2.13 bln in trade

KUALA LUMPUR: The first fully virtual Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2021 has generated a total of RM2.13 billion in export sales.

Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) chief executive officer Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz said export sales comprised of RM1.38 billion sales recorded by exhibitors and RM749.1 million from Malaysian companies who participated in the International Sourcing Programmes (INSP).

"The virtual INSP is a business-matching programme in which MATRADE's 46 overseas-based offices match-make Malaysian exporters with potential international buyers," he said in a statement today.

MIHAS, which had been held from Sept 9 to Dec 3, 2021, further highlighted its robustness as the global avenue to the ever-growing halal economy.

Malaysian exhibitors accounted for RM562 million in total sales while foreign exhibitors reported encouraging sales with Indonesia leading with the highest sales totalling RM403.4 million, followed by the Philippines (RM199.3 million), Vietnam (RM103.8 million), Pakistan (RM36.0 million), and Brazil (RM13.2 million).

Islamic Financial Services (RM380.9 million, 27.6 per cent) recorded the highest total sales among the 12 key clusters that MIHAS 2021 focussed on, followed by beverages (RM329.6 million, 23.9 per cent), processed food (RM150.6 million, 10.9 per cent), pharmaceutical, toiletries and cosmetics (RM138.0 million, 10.0 per cent), and agricultural produce (RM106.7 million, 7.7 per cent).

Moving forward, Mustafa said MATRADE encouraged Malaysian companies to leverage on its 286 exporter development and export promotion programmes planned in 2022.

"MATRADE would continue to establish strategic collaborations with various public and private sectors in implementing export-based programmes in order to create more export opportunities," he said.

-- BERNAMA