MIHAS@Dubai Highlights Malaysia's Leadership, Expertise In Halal Industry To Global Markets

From Zarul Effendi Razali

DUBAI, Nov 18 (Bernama) -- The Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) in Dubai will highlight Malaysia's leadership and expertise in the halal industry to a global audience.

The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said by bringing this iconic event to Dubai, MATRADE is reaching out to a diverse global audience, expanding its reach, and creating new networking and collaboration opportunities.

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“Today stands as a historic milestone, marking the inaugural occasion of MIHAS being hosted beyond Malaysian borders. This truly is a pioneering moment for us all.

“The decision to organize MIHAS outside of Malaysia for the first time speaks volumes about our commitment to extending Malaysia's influence in the halal industry on a global scale. It reflects our ambition to showcase the Malaysian halal industry to the world,” he said in his welcoming remarks at the launching of MIHAS@Dubai 2024 here today.

MIHAS@Dubai 2024 was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

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In his opening speech, Ahmad Zahid said that hosting MIHAS in Dubai is a strategic decision to leverage Dubai’s role as a trading hub in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

“After 20 successful editions in Malaysia, this expansion reflects our vision to globalise the halal industry and introduce it to new markets. The halal economy has evolved far beyond food, now encompassing pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, finance, and tourism.

“This expansion speaks to the universal values embedded in halal – fairness, ethics, and inclusivity – showing that halal is relevant to all, regardless of background or faith,” he said.

According to Ahmad Zahid, a significant opportunity for Malaysia's global partners lies within Malaysia’s halal parks, which play a crucial role in its halal ecosystem.

“With 14 strategically located parks covering 80,937 hectares, these halal parks serve as dynamic hubs for halal businesses, attracting multinational corporations and local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) alike. I warmly invite each of you to explore these opportunities and join us in Malaysia, where you can invest in a thriving halal ecosystem that is primed for growth, innovation, and sustainability,” he said.

Reezal Merican said MATRADE is optimistic that the success of MIHAS@Dubai will serve as a springboard for further opportunities to do business with its counterparts in the region, particularly in the United Arab Emirates. “We aim to continue enhancing Malaysia's reputation as a global halal hub and to build bridges that foster mutual growth, sustainability, and prosperity for our thriving industry,” he said.

For over 20 years, he said MIHAS has been a pillar in advancing Malaysia's halal industry domestically and as it steps onto the global stage, the showcase is setting the foundation for even greater achievements and a more substantial presence for MIHAS worldwide.

“I must also express my sincere appreciation to our 120 international and premium buyers from 20 countries, and to the Malaysian companies, government ministries, and agencies who have shown your unwavering support for this inaugural MIHAS@Dubai exhibition. As we look into the future, let us continue to collaborate, innovate, and build partnerships that will enhance the halal industry not just for Malaysia, but for the global community,” he said.

-- BERNAMA