Moscow-Based Brands Seek Partners, Distributors Through MIHAS 2026
By Nurunnasihah Ahmad Rashid
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 25 (Bernama) -- Moscow-based brands are seeking partners and distributors in Malaysia and neighbouring countries for their halal products through the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2026.
Moscow Export Center e-commerce development head Sergei Kuznetsov said 15 Moscow-based companies were showcasing their products for the first time at the “Made in Moscow” collective booth.
“We expect export contracts will be signed following the exhibition, and that Moscow-based brands will find suitable partners and distributors in Malaysia and neighbouring countries,” he told the Bernama Mobile Studio here today.
Kuznetsov said Malaysia is a rapidly growing market with high demand for quality food products, including halal products, and many of the participating Moscow-based companies already hold relevant certifications.
For example, Pobeda, which mainly produces confectionery, has a halal certificate recognised in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, while Ochakovo produces halal beverages.
“The exhibitors include manufacturers of consumer goods, food products and cosmetics. Among them is MAKFA, Russia’s largest pasta producer.
“Their products range from confectionery, pasta and grains to snacks, fish and seafood, vegetable oils, cosmetics and oral care products,” he said.
Kuznetsov said MIHAS attracted buyers from the Gulf states, Southeast Asia and Africa, allowing Moscow-based companies to reach several markets through one exhibition.
“Participating under the Made in Moscow collective booth helps companies reduce promotion costs, with the Moscow Export Center organising the booth and business programme while helping them search for partners.
“For some manufacturers, this is the first experience of an international exhibition of this scale, and we are glad that we can help them take this first step,” he said.
Kuznetsov highlighted that Moscow’s non-resource, non-energy exports to Malaysia grew by 146 per cent by the end of 2025, while Moscow’s share of total Russian exports to Malaysia reached 20.2 per cent.
“Our main goal is to show that Moscow manufacturers are ready to offer products that meet the strictest global standards, including halal.
“I am confident that cooperation between Moscow and Malaysian entrepreneurs will expand, and this exhibition will become an important step in this direction,” he said.
MIHAS 2026 was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre. It is organised by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) and coordinated by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRDE).
The Sept 23 to 26 event has set a RM5 billion potential business target and is expected to attract more than 50,000 visitors from 45 countries.
-- BERNAMA