More than 500  companies expected at Malaysian Halal showcase

More than 500 Muslim and non-Muslim companies are expected to take part in the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2008 to be held here from May 7 to 11, the Bernama News Agency reported.

Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade)'s chief executive officer Datuk Noharuddin Nordin said today that 235 local companies and seven foreign companies from Australia,

Brunei, USA, Iran, India, Kazakhstan and Turkey have confirmed their participation.

"We expect 350 local and 150 companies from 30 countries to join this year's showcase," Noharuddin added.

Last year's MIHAS attracted 330 local and 96 foreign companies with total sales of RM683.2 million, he said during a media briefing here today.

This year, sales is expected to be even higher in view of the new sectors joining in the event such as food processing and packaging machinery companies.

Other participating companies include those from food manufacturing, cosmetics and healthcare, pharmaceuticals and herbal products as well as Islamic banking and takaful products.

More people today understand that the halal concept is not limited to food but many other aspects such as manufacturing and packaging, he said.

"It is hoped that this additional sector will attract exhibitors and traders interested in the acquisition of food processing machinery including devices, utensils, storage, displays, serving equipment and packaging materials certified suitable for the manufacturing of halal food," said Noharuddin.

He said the event will be also a good avenue for buyers and sellers in the halal market to establish new business alliances in trade and business. He said there will be 300 buyers from more than 30 countries at the event.

KUALA LUMPUR,Jan.24, 2008  (Bernama)