(Coconut, part of the premium 7 crops of the Philippines, will figure in a trove of food and non-food products during the country’s participation at MIHAS 2024.)
The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) will showcase the country’s premier Halal-friendly products and services at the 20th Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) from September 17-20 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Center in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
In partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Halal Industry Development-Program Management Office (HID-PMO), the Philippine participation in MIHAS, as organized by CITEM along with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) – Kuala Lumpur, is seen as a significant step in opening more growth opportunities for the region’s Halal sectors and beyond the F&B industry.Â
Underpinning the country’s cultural connectedness and geographic proximity, CITEM views the positioning of Malaysia to become a global Halal hub as a strong conduit to achieve the region’s collective aim to become a major player in the food supply chain. Showcasing at MIHAS can lead to expanding Philippine trade relations to other Halal-involved industries, such as in cosmetics and fashion, finance, personal healthcare, pharmaceutical and green technologies, and other supply services.
As the servicing agency of the DTI for all aspects of export promotion for the country’s various industries, CITEM seeks to effectively deliver on its marketing campaigns through local and international trade fairs, partnerships, and other related engagements.
CITEM is able to deliver on its mandate through adaptive and innovative solutions, helping boost the market competitiveness and recognition of MSMEs and related services. CITEM’s unique ability to connect them with the appropriate private and public sectors is unmatched as well. As such, the international market continues to take notice of the quality Halal-friendly products from the Philippines.Â
According to HID-PMO, its recent participation at CITEM’s IFEX Philippines in May 2024 generated PHP25 million from overall sales activities. These results are on track with its lead efforts to establish and promote the country’s Halal industry through the generation of sustainable investments, export activities, and employment in the next five years.Â
At MIHAS 2024, HID-PMO is set to hold the Philippine Halal Investment Forum as part of its strategic plan to enhance the country’s capabilities through more Halal-certifying bodies, and a more focused and unified national branding and positioning in the global Halal market. Expected to join the forum are government officials, business leaders, and industry experts who will discuss collaboration and growth prospects within the Halal sector.
For this year’s 20th edition of MIHAS, 20 Halal-friendly food and non-food exhibitors are taking part under the Halal-friendly Philippines campaign, namely: Ahya Coco Organic Food Manufacturing Corp., C&H Cosmetics Industry, Cattleya & Rose Gourmet Foods, Cocoplus Aquarian Development Corporation, CTG Food Corp., Davao Bioskin Tech Laboratories Inc., Dermaline Inc., Fruits of Life Inc., Immuni Global Incorporated, Jegen S.W.E. Enterprises, JNRM Corporation, KKK Food Corp., Magical Blend Marketing International, Project Beans Trading, QueenB Apiaries Enterprises, KKK Food Corp., Raspina Tropical Fruits Inc., Theo & Philo Chocolate Factory Inc., Valmarce Food Mktg. Corporation, and Wellnesscare International Corporation.
Majority of these participants have been involved in past local and overseas trade fairs organized by CITEM including IFEX Philippines, CITEM’s signature international trade show for food and ingredients.
The next IFEX Philippines will be held from May 22-24, 2025 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City, Philippines.