OPENING REMARKS BY H.E. DATO’ KENNEDY JAWAN AT THE MALAYSIA INTERNATIONAL HALAL SHOWCASE (MIHAS) , 13 FEBRUARY 2020

OPENING REMARKS

BY

H.E. DATO’ KENNEDY JAWAN

AMBASSADOR OF MALAYSIA TO JAPAN

Minasama, Konnichiwa

Distinguished Guests,

Malaysian and Japanese Industry Players,

Supporting and Strategic Partners: ASEAN Japan Centre and Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, GVA Law Office,

Friends from the Media, and

Ladies and Gentlemen,

1. First and foremost, we are delighted to have you at today’s “Business Networking Event in-conjunction with the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2020”, with the objective to engage and explore new business collaborations in the area of Halal and halal related products and services to Japan.

2. I hope it is not too late for me to wish all of you “Happy New Year”. May the year 2020 bring us many blessings, prosperity and good health.

3. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the strategic partners for their continuous support, and welcome the companies who are here to engage and network with related industry players.  

4. As the world’s largest Halal Showcase, MIHAS or Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2020 will be into the 17th edition this year to be held in Kuala Lumpur.  This event is part of the Government’s continuous efforts to encourage and facilitate both Malaysian and Japanese companies in establishing contacts with their potential suppliers and buyers in the area of Halal and Halal related sector.  

5. MIHAS is a homegrown initiative that has attracted the world’s attention. MIHAS is a product of MATRADE and is hosted by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI).

6. Since its inception 16 years ago, MIHAS is considered as a catalyst for growth in the Halal industry. It has attracted more than 8,100 exhibitors from 88 countries, and received almost 400,000 visitors globally.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

7. The Halal industry is a thriving, fast-growing global phenomenon that is taking countries around the world by storm.

8. This is partly attributed to the growing global Muslim population. Based on the Global Islamic Economy Indicator (GIE), there are 1.8 billion Muslims in the world in 2017, and is expected to almost double to 3 billion by 2060. This is a massive opportunity for more world economies to get involved in the Halal industry including Japan.

9. In the ‘State of the Global Islamic Economy Report 2019/20’ by Dinar Standard, it was reported that the global Islamic economy in 2018 was worth USD 4.74 trillion, and is expected to grow to a staggering USD 6.66 trillion by 2024. The halal food and beverages sector was worth nearly USD1.86 trillion.

10. In 2018, Malaysia’s export of halal products was valued at USD 10 billion. Japan remains as the 3rd largest export destination after Singapore and China. This indicates the vast opportunities available to be explored by Japanese companies. 

Ladies and gentlemen,

11. In terms of Bilateral Trade, Japan continues to be Malaysia’s important trading partner with total trade amounting to RM128.8 billion or USD31.1 billion last year. Japan is Malaysia’s 4th largest trading partner after China, Singapore and USA.

12. Currently, Japan is our 5th top export destination and 4th import sourcing country. We hope our bilateral trade would continue to grow further through similar initiatives and trade promotion activities.  

13. The year 2020 also will be a year to look forward and marks a strategic role for us as we increase responsiveness to market dynamics. This includes integrating companies into the global supply chain through various exporter development and export promotion initiatives including to take advantage of the Tokyo Olympics 2020 and beyond.

14. Malaysia will also be participating and promoting halal products and services in major international trade exhibitions and export mission such as FOODEX in Makuhari Messe from 10 – 13 March 2020.

Ladies and gentlemen,

15. I do hope more companies will be interested to join the International Sourcing Programme (INSP) MIHAS 2020 or visit the show this year. Japanese buyers are eligible for the Malaysian Government’s incentives of complimentary hotel accommodation of four (4) nights during that period. To date, we have received more than 10 buyers registered from Japan.

16. Your support for MIHAS would contribute not only towards the development of MIHAS but also the development of Malaysian Halal Industry, and consequently for the benefit of halal stakeholders around the world.

17. Do get connected with us via official social media platforms – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Linked In and YouTube for latest updates on MIHAS 2020.

18. Last but not least, I hope to see you and your members at MIHAS 2020. We thank everyone here for the participation and hope each of you will find this experience worthwhile and fruitful. Wishing everyone continued success in your future business venture.

19.   On that note, I am happy to announce the Business Networking Event in-conjunction with MIHAS 2020 open.

Arigatou gozaimasu