Malaysia’s Halal Industry In The 8th OIC Halal Expo 2021 Aims Halal Corridors Between Kuala Lumpur & Istanbul

The highly anticipated 8th OIC Halal Expo 2021 will be held in conjunction with the 7th World Halal Summit on 25-28 November 2021 in Istanbul, Turkey. Malaysia will once again make its strong presence by taking up a pavilion called “Malaysia Showcase”. Following the success in 2019, My Events International will be hosting and organising the Malaysia Showcase. As a result, the official announcement was made on the participation of the Malaysian entrepreneurs in this event. This is definitely timely as part of the National Recovery Plan for entrepreneurs to reclaim their opportunities to advance to new markets and develop export potentials, post-COVID 19.

The 8th OIC Halal Expo 2021 is also organised in collaboration with The Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC). The recent signing of the Joint Declaration on The Expansion of the Free Trade Agreement Between the Government of Malaysia and The Government of The Republic of Turkey between the Senior Minister and Minister of International Trade and Industry, YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali and the Minister of Trade, Turkey, His Excellency Dr. Mehmet Mus have marked the commitment between these two nations to boost post-pandemic recovery and economic growth. This will certainly establish a strong relationship between the two countries, allowing the Malaysian entrepreneurs to set foot in Turkey. Turkey remains one of the emerging export markets with significant growth, especially in the commodity market. Recent MoU signed between Malaysian Palm Oil Council and Izmir Commodity Exchange will further promote Malaysian palm oil to Turkish and further to Eurasia market. In 2019, Malaysia’s export was RM4.24 billion and this will continue to flourish in years to come!

The participation of Malaysia’s Halal Showcase at the 8th OIC Halal Expo 2021 has been seen as the concrete step to build and foster a relationship among businesses and companies from both countries. This initiative taken by Malaysia’s Halal Showcase is to encourage Malaysian local halal companies to:

• Take full advantage of the event and create a vision for all Muslim entrepreneurs all around the country
• Communicate, collaborate, and share information with one another
• Expand, enhance, and strengthen their businesses to other parts of the world.

By providing them with this platform, these entrepreneurs are further encouraged to show their presence in also doing business in the global market.

According to the Deputy President, Independent Industrialists and Businessmen Association (MUSIAD), Mr Mustafa Aydemir, “It is hoped that more Malaysian Halal Companies will be able to establish partnerships with us. We are looking forward to building networks to gain knowledge from Malaysia in the halal industry and benefit from a strategic location and Halal infrastructure of Malaysia as a gateway to Southeast Asia market.” Following the success of the last event held in 2019, the Malaysian Pavilion has witnessed an overwhelmed response from more than 5000 visitors from various sectors such as the Chamber of Commerce, Trade Associations and Federations and also the private sector such as importers, retail outlets, supermarkets and wholesalers. There were more than 60 business matching meetings held throughout the event.

The Malaysia Halal Showcase featured a conference with Mr Gokhan Tuncer, Malaysia’s Representative of Foreign Economic Relations Board of Turkey (DEIK) who welcome foreign investment opportunities from both regions, relaxed govt policies and regulations in strengthening economic ties to aim Halal Corridors between Malaysia and Turkey.

At the conference, YBhg Datuk Noraini Soltan, Vice President of the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers emphasized on the government agencies such as MATRADE to provide continuous support to local manufacturers in enhancing competitiveness and to benefit from Turkey market as a gateway to the Eurasia market.

Speaking at the press conference also, the Senior Director of Export Promotion Market Access Division of MATRADE, Mr Abu Bakar Koyakutty said “To thrive in today’s global halal market, company owners and entrepreneurs must consider developing brands, cultivating a distinct identity for their products, and engaging the relevant audience. Malaysian companies will go far in the global market if you challenge yourself to think creatively beyond the box to benefits from the recent MFTA that will flourish trade with Turkey.”

The objective of Malaysia Showcase is to facilitate Malaysian agencies, local manufacturers and companies to go global and reaching out to business opportunities in Turkey with the theme of Sustainable Halal Eco-System. Malaysia Showcase aims;

• To showcase and launch the latest halal innovations, renewable energy and sustainable products to the OIC countries
• To promote the expansion of Malaysia halal economics in the world markets
• To promote “Made in Malaysia” halal products and renewable products and services
• To enhance knowledge and market accessibility and export regulation

Malaysian companies who are keen to gain a better understanding of the Turkish market are urged to join us on this wonderful opportunity.

Also read: What Is RCEP & What Will Malaysians Get Out Of It? Here’s What You Should Know