YBhg. Dato’ Sri Reezal Merican, Chairman of the Malaysia External Trade Development (MATRADE), officiated the Malaysia Pavilion at the Gulfood exhibition. This year, a total of 80 Malaysian companies and five government agencies are participating under MATRADE pavilion in Gulfood. The launch of the Malaysia Pavilion marks Malaysia’s 20th consecutive participation in the exhibition, displaying MATRADE’s dedication to strengthening the global footprints of Malaysia’s enterprises, especially in the Middle East and Noth Africa (MENA region).

Gulfood is a major platform for F&B industry players to explore expansion opportunities and connect with new buyers from the MENA region and beyond. The demand for F&B products is growing rapidly in the UAE and Middle East markets, with total imports of F&B products at approximately USD 24 billion.

Among the ASEAN countries, Malaysian is ranked second as a major import source for the UAE. As such, the Gulfood exhibition is an opportunity for Malaysian companies to tap into the UAE market and expand their export business to the region. Malaysian products are known for their high quality, and has gained a reputation for their adherence to global industry standards and requirements.

In his opening speech, Dato’ Sri Reezal said that Malaysia’s total exports has surpassed RM1 trillion for three consecutive years, reaching RM1.426 trillion in 2023 in trade value. It is expected that Malaysia’s exports will reach another trillion figures by the end of 2024. Dato’ Seri Reezal also disclosed a new internationalisation initiative called MIHAS@Middle East to promote trade and networking opportunities across borders.

The MIHAS@Middle East initiative will be launched in 2024, and aims to foster the growth of halal F&B exports outside the country. Established in 2004, MIHAS is the world’s largest halal showcase and is held annually at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC). The exhibition is a platform to internationalise Malaysia’s halal products and services as well as reinforce Malaysia’s position as a leader in the global halal industry.

Read more on Gulfood 2024 here.

References
ASWAQ Press (19 February 2024) MATRADE Pavilion At Gulfood 2024 – Strengthening Malaysia’s Global Trade Footprint

Business Today (20 February 2024) MATRADE Pavilion At Gulfood 2024 To Boost Malaysia's Global F&B Trade Presence

Business Today (20 February 2024) New Internationalisation Initiative, MIHAS@Middle East To Expand Halal Trade Beyond Borders: MATRADE