Kuala lumpur: 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.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, MATRADE plans to 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. The WiEX platform, which will be launched during 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.
Set to take place from September 23-26, 2026, at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur, 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 stated that WiEX @MIHAS places women entrepreneurs at the forefront of driving innovation, quality, and market agility in the halal economy. He emphasized the importance of women entrepreneurs in achieving the RM80 billion halal export target by 2030.
Meanwhile, MATRADE chief executive officer Abu Bakar Yusof highlighted that 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 digitalization 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.