Malaysia halal trade fair exceeds target, Bangladeshi firm secures $2m orders

The Malaysia International Halal Showcase 2026 concluded in Kuala Lumpur with potential sales exceeding RM5.5 billion, surpassing the organiser’s commercial target, while a Bangladeshi company secured $2 million in export orders.

Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) said potential sales had crossed RM5.5 billion by the fourth day on 26 September and could reach RM6 billion by the end of the day.

Six Bangladeshi companies and the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) participated in the 22nd edition of the fair, held from 23 to 26 September at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre.

The companies were PRAN, Ghorer Bazar, Paragon Agro, Talukdar Agro Foods and Beverage, Nourish Foods and BioPharma.

PRAN’s Malaysia-based distributor Pinnacle Foods secured $2 million in export orders, said Sajeeb Rana, its head of marketing and e-commerce. Discussions with several other buyers could generate another $1 million in orders, he added.

The other Bangladeshi participants did not report securing direct orders but said they had established contacts with buyers and distributors from Malaysia and other countries.

PRAN had secured $1.5 million in orders from last year’s MIHAS.

Mohammad Hasib, AGM of Nourish Foods, said the company had contacted several Malaysian distributors and was awaiting their response. Abul Kalam Azad, AGM (export) of Paragon Foods, said the fair had opened opportunities to enter the Malaysian market, while buyers from other countries had also expressed interest.

MATRADE Chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said the RM5.5 billion figure did not include signed memoranda of understanding or transactions completed separately through Agentic AI, meaning total commercial activity could be higher.

MATRADE had initially targeted more than RM5 billion in potential business. The fair featured more than 1,700 exhibitors and around 2,380 booths across 14 sectors, including food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, fashion, Islamic finance and technology.

MATRADE also introduced AI-based business matchmaking and navigation systems to connect buyers with potential suppliers based on their requirements.