MATRADE CEO’S REMARKS FOR MALAYSIAN INTERNATIONAL FOOD & BEVERAGES TRADE FAIR (MIFB) 2016

MEDIA LAUNCH & BUSINESS NETWORKING LUNCH

BUNGA ROOM, LEVEL 3,
SERI PACIFIC HOTEL, KUALA LUMPUR

1 MARCH 2016 (TUESDAY)

Elaine Chia - Managing Director, Sphere Exhibits Pte Ltd

Mr Paul Ng - General Manager, Sphere Exhibits Malaysia Sdn Bhd

Puan Latifah Hamzah, Managing Director, Mutiara Sigma (M) Sdn Bhd

Members of the media,

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Assalamualaikum, Salam Sejahtera and Salam 1 Malaysia.

1. First and foremost, let me express my appreciation to the organisers, Sphere Exhibits Malaysia Sdn Bhd and Mutiara Sigma (M) Sdn Bhd, for giving me the honour to deliver a few words for the Malaysian International Food and Beverages Trade Fair (MIFB) 2016 Media Launch and Business Networking Lunch.

2. MIFB is recognised as a platform for global F&B companies to exhibit and meet for the past 16 years. This year, MIFB marks its 17th anniversary and will continue to play an active role for the F&B industry players to introduce, exchange and learn about the latest innovation and technologies from around the world.

3. To complement MIFB 2016, there will be two other concurrent events that will be organised which are:

• Foodtech 2016 - The 7th International F&B Machinery, Packaging and Service Solutions Exhibition; and

• S&F Asia 2016 – The 2nd Asian Seafood & Fishery, Raw & Processed Produce, Technology & Supply Chain Solution Trade Fair.

4. I have been informed that there will be a business matchings programme at this event, where buyers and suppliers will meet and build business contacts as well as discussing actual business deals. This important business component will add value to MIFB 2016 which will help to sustain its position as an effective platform to network, exchange ideas, share best practice and clinch business deals.

5. MIFB 2016 is expected to witness the participation of 350 exhibitors from 45 countries with 12 country pavilions. This 3 day event is targeted to attract 15,000 visitors and trade buyers from around the globe.

Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

6.      Processed food is one of the sectors that have contributed to the growth of Malaysia’s bilateral trade. In 2015, Malaysia’s exports of Processed Food increased by 8.8 per cent to RM18.02 billion, compared to RM16.56 billion in 2014. Top 5 exports destinations for Malaysian Processed Food in 2015 were Singapore, China, Indonesia, Australia and Thailand. The increase in export was mainly attributed to the exports of products such as edible products and preparations, cocoa and cocoa preparations, prepared cereals and flour preparations, dairy products and margarine and shortening. In-line with these positive figures, MATRADE encourage more private entities play its roles to promote through promotion platform such as MIFB.

7. The global halal market has emerged as a new growth sector in the global economy and is creating a strong presence in developed countries. Halal is neither restricted to food nor applies only to Muslims, it is a lifestyle for people across the globe. From farm to plate, from tip to toe, across all industries including fashion, logistics and defence, Halal is required to be an element within the industry.

8. Observing the vast opportunities in Halal products and services, MATRADE is pleased to invite local and international companies to be part of the 13th International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2016 that will be organised from 30th March until 2nd April 2016. MIHAS 2016 is the premier Halal showcase that gathers all the global players in this industry.

9. Most importantly, you should not miss the opportunity to participate in the International Sourcing Programme (INSP), which will be organised in-conjunction with MIHAS, on the 29th March 2016. This INSP will be the ideal avenue for you to meet up with the Malaysia’s Halal industry players, as well as to be updated with the recent development in Halal products and services.

Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

10. Once again, MATRADE would like to record our sincere appreciation to the organiser for their commitment and determination in ensuring the success of MIFB 2016. We hope, the event will grow even bigger in the coming years, and promoting closer cooperation between Malaysian and international business communities.

10. Once again, MATRADE would like to record our sincere appreciation to the organiser for their commitment and determination in ensuring the success of MIFB 2016. We hope, the event will grow even bigger in the coming years, and promoting closer cooperation between Malaysian and international business communities.

11. I would also like to wish a great success to all participants of MIFB 2016.

Thank you.