4 April 2012—The Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur reported the Philippine participation at the 9th Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS), which opened on April 4 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

Leading the Philippine delegation to the event were Ms. Suraida U. Guro from the Department of Trade and Industry-Bureau of Export Trade Promotion, Ms. Chol D. Dela Paz from the Center for International Trade Exposition and Missions and Engr. Leandro H. Gazmin from the Department of Agriculture.

Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya, together with Consul Gonaranao Musor, Vice Consul Johann Veronica Andal and Trade Assistant Louie Brigida Quero Lee, visited the Philippine pavilion and interacted with the exhibitors.

"The Philippines has a natural competitive edge in halal products in the world, as Muslim-Filipinos form a significant segment of our society. We should further develop and promote our halal food, particularly for export, even as we make our tourism destinations in the Philippines also more friendly to Muslim tourists," Ambassador Malaya said.

With the tag, "Philippines: A Feast of Flavors", the Philippine pavilion was noticeable in the exhibit hall because of its setup, with buyers and other interested parties flocking in the different booths to inquire on the products, get samples of the exhibitor's products, as well as conduct business matching activities.

The Philippine pavilion featured processed food, ingredients and condiments, seafood, fresh fruit and vegetables, and natural and organic products. The exhibitors: Angel Coco, Inc.; Anjo Farms, Inc.; Magic Melt Foods, Inc.; Mofel's Food International Corp., Pampanga's Best; Republic Biscuit Corporation (REBISCO); Raw Brown Sugar Milling Company, Inc., and Beauche International by Conchita, Inc.

The MIHAS is an annual trade fair held every second quarter of the year in Kuala Lumpur. MIHAS is hosted by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), in cooperation with the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade).

With the theme, "Empowering the Global Halal Market", this year's Showcase attracted around 300 exhibitors from 17 countries.

Inaugurated in 2004 with the aim of facilitating the sourcing and selling of quality halal consumables, products and services globally, this annual trade fair is one of the largest congregations of halal industry players.

The MIHAS 2012 will run until April 7.