MATRADE EXPECTS IMPROVED SALES AT MIHAS 2009

KUALA LUMPUR, May 5 (Bernama) -- Malaysia External Trade Development
Corporation (Matrade) expects to improve on the RM2.2 billion sales recorded
last year under its Incoming Buying Mission programme at this year's Malaysia
International Halal Showcase (Mihas), its director of products section, products
and services department, Wan Norma Wan Daud said.

She said more than 600 buyers from over 40 countries are participating in
this year's business matching programme.

"Mihas 2009 aims to foster stronger trade connection with global halal
players to provide mutual support in expanding the halal market amid the current
economic slowdown," she told a media briefing here today.

Last year, about 10,000 business matchings were recorded during Mihas, she
added.

For this year's incoming buying mission (IBM) programme, Wan Norma said the
focus would be on selecting quality and premium buyers worldwide and there will
be opportunities for Malaysian companies to sell their products to overseas
buyers.

The IBM programme will be held from May 5 to 6.

Mihas 2009, which will be held from May 6-10 at the Matrade Exhibition and
Convention Centre, will feature five key sectors namely food and beverage;
pharmaceuticals and herbal products; cosmetics and healthcare; banking and
finance; and food processing and packaging machinery.

About 529 companies are participating in the exhibition of which 147 are
international companies.

Five new entrants -- France, Russia, South Korea, Taiwan and Tunisia
will be participating for the first time to promote their Halal products in
Mihas 2009.

Apart from the IBM and exhibition, seminars and trade briefings will also be
organised from May 5-8 where invited speakers will provide information on the
current development and opportunities in the halal industry.

In conjunction with Mihas, an international culinary competition, Mihas
Apprentice Chefs' Competition (MACC) will be held for the first time from May
8-10.

The event will be an annual event starting this year, giving opportunity for
young aspiring chefs to use their creativity in using halal products for their
cuisines. (US$1=RM3.56)
-- BERNAMA