adminKUALA LUMPUR, July 14 (Bernama) — Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) aims to facilitate more than 120 business matching sessions for Malaysian companies participating in the Women in Export (WiEX) Pavilion at WiEX @MIHAS, a dedicated initiative under the 22nd Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2026.
MATRADE said in a statement today that it will bring in 300 buyers from various countries under its International Sourcing Programme (INSP) to facilitate business matching with Malaysian companies, providing them with direct access to international decision-makers and potential business partners.
It said the WiEX platform which will be launched during the MIHAS 2026 will bring together women entrepreneurs from Malaysia and around the world, showcasing innovative halal products and services, sustainable business practices, and export-ready solutions.
“A total of 80 booths have been allocated under the WiEX Pavilion comprising 60 booths for Malaysian companies and the remaining booths for international exhibitors.
“Malaysian companies participating in the WiEX Pavilion will have the opportunity to engage in pre-arranged business matching sessions with international buyers facilitated by MATRADE,” MATRADE said.
Set to take place from Sept 23-26, 2026 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) here, the platform reflects MATRADE’s commitment to advancing women’s participation in international trade by empowering women-owned and women-led businesses to expand beyond domestic markets and seize global export opportunities in the rapidly growing halal economy.
MATRADE chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said WiEX @MIHAS places women entrepreneurs at the forefront of driving innovation, quality and market agility in the halal economy.
“Every woman who grows through it brings us closer to our RM80 billion halal export target by 2030, that’s not just good policy, it’s good economics,” he said.
Meanwhile, MATRADE chief executive officer Abu Bakar Yusof said the initiative is designed to equip women-led businesses with the networks, knowledge and market access needed to strengthen their export capabilities and compete globally in the halal marketplace.
A key highlight of the platform is the WiEX Forum @MIHAS, themed “Thriving Through Uncertainty: How Women Exporters Can Adapt, Compete and Grow”.
The forum will feature industry leaders, policymakers and successful exporters sharing insights on navigating evolving global trade dynamics, leveraging digitalisation and artificial intelligence, diversifying into new markets and building resilient and sustainable businesses.
Complementing these initiatives is the Anugerah Wira Ekonomi Wanita, which celebrates exceptional achievements by women exporters across three categories: Product Excellence, Service Excellence, and Innovation and Sustainability Excellence.
— BERNAMA
