Asia
MIHAS 2007 Attracts Participation Of 27 Countries
By BERNAMA
Apr 30, 2007, 10:24

KUALA LUMPUR, April 27 (Bernama) -- The fourth Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2007 has attracted 27 countries to showcase their halal products and services.

In comparison, 17 countries took part in last year's event.

"There are more than 500 exhibitors from 27 countries, of which 106 are international exhibitors," said Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) chief executive officer Datuk Noharuddin Nordin.

He said among the countries participating for the first time are Argentina, Canada, Croatia, Kuwait and Morocco.

"The increase in the number of participating countries this year showed the strong potential in the halal market," Noharuddin said at a press conference on MIHAS 2007 here today.

He said for this year, the top five countries with the most booths are from Indonesia, Iran, Brunei, South Africa and Australia.

Noharuddin was confident of this year's volume of trade exceeding RM200 million.

"MIHAS is the gateway to a bigger market. It is a platform where halal producers can launch their products and services not only in the Asean region, but also in new developing economies and the international market," he said.

The total trade registered last year was RM168 million.

The MIHAS 2007 international halal trade fair will be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from May 9 to 13 with the theme, "Expanding the Halal Frontiers".

It will be launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

The event is organised by the International Trade and Industry Ministry, Matrade, Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Ministry and Islamic Dakwah Foundation Malaysia (Yadim).

Noharuddin said participants for the non-consumable product category like financial services and pharmaceutical has also increased.

He said the two-day incoming buying mission is expecting representatives from 32 countries to meet with their counterparts from 251 local companies to discuss potential trade during MIHAS 2007.



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