Big China Turnout for MIHAS 2008

By Tham Choy Lin,

China will have the biggest international presence at the 5th Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) in Kuala Lumpur next month with close to 100 Chinese companies and government agencies going to the five-day event.

Too Kia Hong, new Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) commissioner in Beijing, said many of the buyers were also interested with meeting up Malaysia's Islamic Development Department (Jakim) officials.

"Malaysia's halal food certification is well-recognised around the world and they want to see how they too can certify and enhance their products for the international market," he told Bernama.

Most of the Chinese companies going are from Muslim food and animal farm industries and they are also keen to acquire halal food processing expertise, food packaging and machinery, he said.

Mihas, the world's largest trade fair of its kind, will be held at the Matrade Exhibition and Convention Centre and apart from food, it showcases non-food products and services, including Islamic banking, insurance and investments as well.

As in previous years, Matrade offices in China, namely Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, have arranged for groups of buyers to attend business matching sessions during Mihas scheduled from May 7 to 11.

Eighteen Chinese companies will exhibit at the fair while 79 other enterprises and government agencies will send 107 buyers and officials for the business sessions.

The exhibitors include 11 from Qinghai, three from Ningxia and two from Xinjiang, all three regions which have sizeable Muslim populations. They will be promoting Chinese herbs, honey bee products, organic meat including yak meat, dried nuts and fruits, and chillies.

Too said Matrade Beijing has arranged buyers from 27 companies and government agencies in Xinjiang, Ningxia and northern eastern provinces like Liaoning and Heilongjiang.

Based on the list, the government agencies attending are the Liaoning Provincial Administration Association of Muslim Trading Foodstuff, Chaoyang City Ethnic Affairs Commission and China Muslim Enterprise Summit organising committee.

Two companies from Xinjiang -- Urumqi Tianshanniao Food Company and Kashi Amina Muslim Food Company -- are interested in sourcing for Malaysian palm oil.

Malaysian halal food manufacturers are eyeing China as a lucrative market because of its 20 million Muslim population.

Meanwhile, Matrade Beijing has moved to its new premises at Tower B of Gateway Plaza in Chaoyang district.

Its telephone numbers 86-1084515109/5113 and fax 86-10-84515112 remain unchanged.