30th March 2016, Kuala Lumpur – Malaysia is set to entrench its position as a global leader in the Halal industry with the largest gathering of industry captains and stakeholders from around the world at the World Halal Week (WHW) 2016, held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) from 28 March to 2 April 2016.

 A collaborative effort under the aegis of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry of Malaysia (MITI), WHW 2016 features the world-renowned halal trade fair, the 13th Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) organised by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE); the 9th World Halal Conference (WHC) by Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC) and the 7th Halal Certification Bodies Convention by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM).

With the theme “BEYOND THE ECONOMY”, WHW 2016 is set to provide a transformational perspective of halal beyond its economic contributions to include this traditional Islamic practice as a modern lifestyle of choice for Muslims and non-Muslims. “The values promoted by halal are universal. Halal is now a global phenomenon and Malaysia is playing a key role in creating a better understanding of this emerging new economic force,” said Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed, Minister of International Trade and Industry.

“The consumer market for halal products and services has grown by leaps and bounds and businesses around the world cannot afford to overlook the growth opportunities in this industry,” added Dato' Sri Mustapa.

MIHAS 2016, one of the main components of WHW 2016, is showcasing more than 543 companies (316 Malaysian companies and 227 international exhibitors). The world’s largest Halal trade fair, themed ‘Experience Halal’, is expected to draw more than 25,000 visitors from 67 countries.

According to MATRADE’s Chief Executive Officer, Dato' Dzulkifli Mahmud, “MATRADE has been working closely with foreign embassies and various Chambers of Commerce as well as trade agencies to forge closer ties between the nations at the event. The international interest garnered for MIHAS is a true embodiment of the global community’s view of Malaysia as a pioneer in the global halal industry.”

As a result of MATRADE’s collaborations with various trade associations, councils and chambers, MIHAS 2016 will be attended by various trade delegations including the Russian Trade and Economic Development Council (RTEDC); Department of Agriculture of Yunnan Province of China, Yunan Investment Holding Group Co., Ltd and Yunan State Farms Group Co., Ltd; Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce; the World Malay-Polynesia Organisation, New Zealand; MCH Halal International Holdings Co., Ltd, Inner Mongolia; JTB Business World Travel & Solutions, Japan; Universidad Mexiquense del Bicentenario (Bicentennial Mexico State University), Mexico; The Department of Trade and Industry of  South Africa; the Italian Trade Commission in Kuala Lumpur as well as investors from Australia.

In conjunction with MIHAS 2016, MATRADE had also organised a business matching programme called the International Sourcing Programme (INSP) on 29th March 2016 at the MATRADE Exhibition Convention Centre (MECC). This year, MATRADE had brought in 391 high quality foreign buyers and 581 foreign buyers representatives from around the world to participate in the one-to-one business meetings arranged 619 Malaysian exporters. The INSP had successfully generated an estimated RM478.66 million (USD113.47 million) in negotiated sales, an increase of 8 per cent compared to last year.

Malaysia’s lead agency in developing the halal industry, the  Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC), will hold this year’s 9th World Halal Conference on March 30th and 31st with the theme, ‘Halal at the Forefront of Economic and Social Change’.
The two-day conference will focus on various aspects of the halal industry including the challenges facing the global halal economy, the rise of Halal e-commerce and new business opportunities, and the need to develop talents.
More than 1,000 Halal industry’s stakeholders and foreign delegates are expected to participate in the conference this year, which will be officiated by The Hon. Tun Abdullah Haji Ahmad Badawi, patron of the World Halal Conference and former Prime Minister of Malaysia. The opening will also receive the attendance of H.E. Somkid Jatusripitak, the Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand.
At the event, Dato’ Sri Mustapa will be leading the Ministerial Panel titled ‘Global Halal Economic Outlook, which will focus on the global economic uncertainties and their impact on the halal Industry. Among the special guest speakers are H.E. Darmin Nasution, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Indonesia; H.E. Dossaev Erbolat Askarbekovich, Minister of National Economy, Kazakhstan. The session will be moderated by Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Mohd Munir Abdul Majid, Co-Chair of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council and Chairman of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council Malaysia.
Meanwhile, 54 halal certification bodies from 32 countries will gather at the 7th Halal Certification Bodies Convention 2016. This annual event provides a platform for these agencies to deliberate on is topics relating to Halal certification issues such as the implementation of Halal quality assurance system among food industries in Malaysia, as well as ethical issues affecting certification bodies.

 

Ministry of International Trade and Industry
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

 

About MITI
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry was established in April 1956 then was renamed as the Ministry of Trade and Industry in February 1972. On 27 October 1990, the Ministry was separated into two Ministries which are; Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) and Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDN).

MITI is the key driver in making Malaysia the preferred destination for quality investments and enhancing the nation's rising status as a globally competitive trading nation. Its objectives and roles are oriented towards ensuring Malaysia’s rapid economic development and help achieve the country's stated goal of becoming a developed nation by 2020.

 

Media enquiries

1. Ministry of International Trade & Industry
Strategic Communications Unit
Tel      : +603 6200 0082
Fax     : +603 6206 4293
E-mail : allpegkomunikasikorporat@miti.gov.my

2. Zuhaila Sedek
Head, Strategic Corporate Communications Unit, MATRADE
Tel       : +603 6207 7409
Mobile : +60176019217
E-mail  : zuhaila@matrade.gov.my

3. Norsida Ahmad
Manager, Stakeholders Management & Communications Division, HDC
Tel       : +603 7965 5530
Mobile : +60123249703
E-mail  : norsida.ahmad@hdcglobal.com