THE rapidly evolving halal market in the Middle East and the high potential it holds for global manufacturers, distributors and service providers were showcased to an international gathering in Malaysia, the world’s premier halal hub, recently.

Expo Centre Sharjah took part in the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2013 in Kuala Lumpur to promote its upcoming second edition of Halal Middle East Trade Fair and Congress.

Expo Centre Sharjah delegates highlighted the rising importance of the UAE in the halal world as the country has been chosen to chair two major technical committees to draw up halal standards.

“Mihas 2013 was the focal point for halal industry stakeholders, with the participation of hundreds of exhibitors from several countries and thousands of trade visitors converging at the show. By taking part in Mihas 2013, we effectively promoted Halal Middle East to the who’s who of the global halal industry,” said Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, director-general, Expo Centre Sharjah.

Mihas 2013 featured about 457 companies from 29 countries at 518 booths, attracting some 350 companies for the incoming buying mission with more than 500 representatives from 55 countries.

Lilian Segundo, sales director, Sandeep Bolar, project manager, and Adham Ahmed Helmy, project executive, were on hand in the Expo Centre Sharjah stand to brief visiting delegates and trade representatives about Halal Middle East prospects.

Mihas is an annual trade fair held every second quarter of the year in Kuala Lumpur and its 10th edition was held from April 3 to 6, 2013. Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade), the organiser of the show, had arranged more than 3,500 business matching meetings for local businesses and visiting delegates.

“With some 18 per cent of the world’s 1.6 billion Muslims living in the Arab World, the potential is very high in the region. The fact that most of the halal products here are imported also emphasises the prospects of the regional market to Malaysian and other global halal producers and service providers. The response the Expo team received at Mihas 2013 was excellent and we will be working to convert them into constructive deals, either as exhibitors, delegates or as trade visitors,” said Segundo.

Under the patronage of the Ruler of Sharjah, Halal Middle East will be held at Expo Centre Sharjah from December 16 to 18, 2013, along with Halal Congress Middle East.

For its second edition, Halal Middle East will be a comprehensive sourcing point for all halal products, from food to pharmaceuticals and insurance to tourism, while Halal Congress Middle East will offer a gathering point for halal producers, exporters, importers and dealers as well as scholars and experts on halal markets and standards.