Matrade chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysia External Trade Development Corp (Matrade) will be hosting some of the largest international buyers in the world during this year’s International Sourcing Programme (INSP), which is its flagship business matching event organised annually in conjunction with the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (Mihas) 2024.
In a statement, Matrade chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz said INSP Mihas 2024 will feature a line-up of at least 250 international buyers, including 20 premium buyers from approximately 40 countries.
“Our global network of 49 trade offices have successfully secured the participation of leading international buyers, underscoring the event’s growing prominence in the global halal marketplace,” he said.
The 250 international buyers include those from Europe, South Asia, China and North-East Asia, Central Asia and Americas.
In the case of the 20 premium buyers, they represent industry giants such as large hypermarkets and retailers with nationwide outlets from countries such the United States, India, United Kingdom, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
These buyers collectively generated a revenue of more than US$60bil in 2023.
“The participation of these 250 international buyers is expected to generate a potential sourcing value of more than RM1bil,” said Mohd Mustafa.
He pointed out that these business deals will have significant impact on the domestic economy as, among others, it can support the exporters in terms of creating job opportunities.
The event is expected to host a substantial number of business-matching sessions, fostering new partnerships and expanding market access for Malaysian businesses.
“INSP Mihas 2024 is set to facilitate at least 2,500 business matching sessions,” said Mohd Mustafa.
“This programme is instrumental in strengthening international trade relations, expanding market access for Malaysian businesses and contributing to the development of sustainable global supply chains.
“It represents a critical component in our efforts to position Malaysia as a key player in the international halal ecosystem.”
INSP Mihas 2024 is organised in a hybrid mode, with the virtual sessions taking place from Feb 15 to Nov 30, 2024.
The physical sessions will be held on Sept 18, 2024 at Menara Matrade in conjunction with Mihas 2024 held during Sept 17 – 20, 2024 at the Malaysia International Trade Exhibition Centre.
This year’s programme will highlight Malaysia’s expertise across 20 diverse sectors. This comprehensive approach underlines Malaysia’s position as a leader in the global halal industry.
The sectors are agricultural produce, apparel, garments and accessories, beverages, prepared food, food ingredients, gloves, palm oil products, pharmaceuticals, toiletries and cosmetics, machinery and equipment, gifts, souvenirs and jewelleries, packaging and containers, pet products, fashion accessories and textiles, footwear, logistics, Islamic financial services, franchise, information and communication technology, Islamic entertainment and education.
