Kuala lumpur: The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) is inviting Malaysian companies to register for the International Sourcing Programme (INSP), to be held alongside the 22nd Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2026. The event is set to take place at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) on September 23-26, 2026.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the success of INSP MIHAS 2025, which generated RM3.63 billion in sales, has fuelled international buyer interest in the 2026 edition. 'Beyond the conventional halal food and beverage segment, this year's edition is also seeing growing interest in services sectors,' MATRADE said in a statement.
MATRADE highlighted that the INSP MIHAS programme connects pre-qualified international buyers with Malaysian exporters of halal products and services through pre-arranged one-on-one business meetings across key halal sectors. 'As buyer meeting slots are limited and allocated through a structured matching process, Malaysian companies are strongly encouraged to register early through the online portal,' it added.
MATRADE's chief executive officer, Abu Bakar Yusof, stated that the trade promotion agency aims to secure RM2 billion in export sales from INSP MIHAS 2026. 'For this year, we are targeting approximately 300 buyers, including 50 premium buyers, to attract high-quality decision-makers and create greater business opportunities for Malaysian companies.'
He further elaborated that more than 500 international buyers from 55 economies have shown interest, and encouraged Malaysian companies to register early to maximise their business matching opportunities. Since MIHAS was launched in 2004, the INSP component has generated over RM20.62 billion in export sales, benefiting 10,600 Malaysian companies through 67,200 structured business meetings involving nearly 8,000 international buyers.
According to Abu Bakar, MIHAS 2026 is expected to generate total sales of RM4.50 billion, including export sales under the INSP. "As it stands, 15 percent of the interested buyers are returning buyers, demonstrating sustained confidence in Malaysian exporters and the value they continue to offer in global markets," he noted.
INSP MIHAS 2026 will showcase a wide array of products and services from sectors such as agricultural produce, apparel and garments, beverages, education, fashion accessories and textiles, footwear, franchising, gifts and jewellery, and more. It will also include Islamic financial services, logistics, machinery and equipment, packaging and containers, palm oil products, pet products, pharmaceuticals, ready-to-eat food, and toiletries and cosmetics.
Registration for the INSP MIHAS 2026 programme is open until July 31 through the INSP MIHAS online portal and the MADANI Digital Trade Platform.