Bangladesh is participating in the 19th Malaysia International Halal Showcase,known as the biggest halal showcase in the world.

The fair is organised by Ministry of Investment, Malaysia, Trade, and Industry, and the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), according to a press release.

It began on Tuesday at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre and will end on Friday.

A total of 1,040 companies are participating with 1,800 booths in various clusters, including food and drinks,modest fashion,e-commerce,Islamic finance, and fintech, among others.

Sixteen Bangladeshi companies participated with nine booths in the Bangladesh pavilion in the fair under the overall supervision of Ministry of Commerce, Bangladesh, the Export Promotion Bureau, and the Bangladesh High Commission in Kualalampur.

Mohammad Golam Sorowar, Bangladesh's high commissioner to Malaysia, visited the Bangladesh pavilion on Wednesday.

He said the business of halal goods is an increasing sector. Bangladesh lags far behind in the trade of halal products,although it is a majority Muslim country, said the release.

"Halal trade around the world currently stands at $2.3 trillion, with trade expected to rise to $3.6 trillion in 2030. If Bangladesh can capture 10% of its market, then 360 billion dollars of trade opportunities will be created; even if we hold 1%, then 36 billion dollars of trade opportunities will be created. We have to work towards that goal," said the high commissioner.

Anwar Ibrahim,prime minister of Malaysia, and Dr Ahmed Zahid Hamidi,deputy prime minister of Malaysia, visited the Bangladesh pavilion earlier. They described Bangladeshi products as promising.

Bombay Sweets and Company Limited, Agroverse Limited, Tahminas, Peoples’ Leather Industries, KMR Craft, Karupannya, Bandhan Noors, Albatros Fashion,Pashra Leather and Jute, Jutex,Bidora Bag and Handicrafts, Techsolution, Prink, Trina’s Closet,Diana’s Glamour, and Kalpataru are the companies that took part in different categories including food,garment industry, jute and jute products, leather and leather and leather products, IT, and handicrafts from Bangladesh.

The 19th MIHAS put emphasis on innovation and sustainable initiatives to lead the local and international business community to stable growth for the halal economy. The fair is not limited to the ASEAN region but will feature participation from various trade commissions, government agencies, industry, and business leaders, including participation from countries around the world in the international pavilion, the release added.