Better Economic Growth to Boost MIHAS Next Year

 

The International Halal Showcase 2011 (MIHAS 2011) will attract more investors and participants as the economy was expected to record stronger growth, said Minister of International Trade and Industry, Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed.

"Last year was tough ... this year should be better. But next year, hopefully, we will be on a stronger economic growth path and it will be a better year for MIHAS," he told a media briefing after officiating the opening of MIHAS 2010 here Wednesday.

Mustapa said MIHAS 2010 received an overwhelming domestic and international response as the participants wanted to cash in on the huge potentials of the Halal sector.

"The inaugural event in 2004 saw only 505 booths registered. This year, there are 661. This year's event will also see the largest participation from China, Iran, Singapore and Indonesia," he said.

He said the participation of these countries would further reinforce MIHAS as a truly global Halal showcase.

Mustapa said previously, MIHAS was dominated by the food sector but today, it has a broader range of non-food products and services.

"They include cosmetics and toiletries, pharmaceuticals, food packaging and machinery, logistics and Islamic financial services.

"The wide range of products and services within the Halal industry offers tremendous opportunities for investments in this sector in Malaysia," he said.

He said the seventh edition of MIHAS would see the participation of 163 foreign companies from 31 countries with the latest entrants being Italy, Romania and Albania.

There will be 334 local companies participating in the event, he said. -- BERNAMA