KUALA LUMPUR — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) plans to bring as many as 20 Philippine companies to the 2027 Malaysia International Halal Showcase (Mihas), expanding efforts to connect local businesses with the global halal market.
The 22nd Mihas is being held on Sept. 23–26 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Center here in the capital. It brings together halal-product suppliers and trade buyers from various countries.Al-Mahdi Jul-ahmad, supervising trade-industry development specialist at the DTI’s Export Marketing Bureau, said the Philippine delegation grew to 11 companies this year from only two supported by an Asean-Japan initiative in 2025.“Hopefully, next year, we can reach 15 or 20,” Jul-ahmad told The Manila Times.A larger Philippine pavilion would accommodate more micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and feature a wider range of halal and Muslim-friendly products, he said.The Philippines has participated in Mihas since 2017, although the size of its delegation has varied.This year’s pavilion features food and nonfood products from 11 companies. These include snacks, coconut-based products, ice cream and other consumer goods.Jul-ahmad said participating companies must have halal certificates recognized in Malaysia. A certificate issued or accepted in the Philippines may not necessarily be valid in the Malaysian market.The DTI invites prospective exhibitors through its network of business groups and other stakeholders. It has not set a sales target for this year’s delegation, focusing instead on helping Philippine companies meet foreign buyers and explore overseas markets.Jul-ahmad said trade buyers had shown strong interest, with some Philippine exhibitors holding consecutive business meetings since the event opened.The DTI sees significant opportunities in the halal economy, which Jul-ahmad estimated at about $3 trillion worldwide. While food accounts for a large share of the market, demand is also growing for halal personal-care products and cosmetics.Muslim-friendly tourism is another area that could offer opportunities for the Philippines, he said. Muslims are estimated to account for 10 to 13 percent of the country’s population, providing a substantial domestic market for halal goods and services.The DTI plans to increase the number of Philippine MSMEs joining Mihas and other international halal exhibitions. Such events allow smaller companies to test demand, make business contacts and assess their prospects in foreign markets.
