KUCHING: Sarawak recorded an impressive performance in terms of participation in the Malaysia International Halal Showcase 2017 (MIHAS2017) at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).
The event which started today saw a total participation of 21 entrepreneurs from the state, a majority specialising in the food and beverage and cosmetic and beauty industry.
The participation had been strongly supported by the Ministry of Industrial and Entrepreneur Development, Trade and Investment (MIETI) Sarawak, which aims to assist the halal entrepreneurs to explore a bigger market, internationally.
Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) Sarawak Director Leany Mokhtar said the active participation from Sarawak had reflected the close cooperation between MIETI and MATRADE, to support the local entrepreneurs.
“Apart from that, there are also companies who will take part in the business matching programme and International Sourcing Programme (INSP).
“It is part of MATRADE’s initiative to help to ‘match’ participants (companies) with a group of buyers from other countries, thus helping them to penetrate the international market for their products and services,” said Leany in a statement here today.
MIHAS2017 has a reputation as the world’s largest halal trade fair, which is the best platform for local entrepreneurs seeking for more export opportunities.
Featuring four major segments, namely food (paste, sauce, food and beverage), non-food products (pharmaceuticals and cosmetics) and Syariah services (Islamic finance, halal tourism and halal logistics) and e-commerce.
It is expected that more than 2,000 business matching sessions will be conducted by MATRADE as a part of the government’s efforts to promote and market halal products and services in the country.
Apart from 550 exhibitors from 35 countries, Leany said, it is also the first time the event featured an International Islamic Lifestyle Exhibition.
The three-day-event is expected to attract more than 25,000 visitors.