The opening of the Libya Pavilion at the 22nd Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS 2026) is expected to strengthen trade and business links between Malaysia and Libya, as both countries explore opportunities in the halal economy and emerging markets.
The pavilion, officially opened at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), brings Libyan businesses into Malaysia’s halal trade ecosystem and provides a platform for companies from both countries to explore new commercial opportunities.
According to the Chairman of the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), Dato’ Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, the growing momentum in Malaysia-Libya economic relations was reflected in bilateral trade, which reached RM1.03 billion (equal to approximately GH₵2.93 billion) in 2025, representing a 38.9% increase from the previous year.
Malaysia’s exports to Libya also recorded strong growth in the first eight months of 2026, reaching RM106.5 million (approximately GH₵303.45 billion), an increase of 73.4% year-on-year.
Exports comprised mainly machinery, equipment and parts; chemicals and chemical products; and palm oil and palm oil-based agricultural products.
Speaking at the opening of the Libya Pavilion on Thursday, September 24, 2026, Dato’ Seri Reezal Merican said the pavilion was more than an exhibition stand, describing it as a two-way trade corridor between Malaysia and Libya.
“It is a bridge, a gateway into North Africa and the Mediterranean for Malaysia and ASEAN, and a launching pad into Asia’s Halal economy for our Libyan friends. By bringing Libya’s growing private sector into Malaysia’s Halal ecosystem, our certification, quality assurance and trade infrastructure, we can build supply chains strong enough to serve the whole Islamic world. Aligning with Malaysia’s proposal on the establishment of the ASEAN Halal Council in September 2027 as part of efforts to turn the idea of a regional halal council into a functioning institution.”
The growing economic engagement stems from MATRADE’s Export Acceleration Mission to Tripoli in May 2024, involving 10 Malaysian companies, which generated nearly RM 250 million in business opportunities. Momentum was further maintained through Malaysia’s participation at the Tripoli International Fair earlier this year, paving the way for a full country pavilion presence at MIHAS 2026.
The Libya Pavilion is jointly organised through the collaboration of the Tripoli Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (TCCIA) and the General Authority for Exhibitions and Conferences (GAFEC).
Dato’ Seri Reezal Merican reaffirmed MATRADE’s commitment to facilitating market access for both regions.
“MATRADE stands ready, arms wide open, to help Libyan enterprises step into ASEAN, just as we hope more Malaysian companies will seize the opportunities Libya offers.”
MIHAS 2026, themed “Shaping Trust, Driving Resilience,” is MATRADE’s most ambitious showcase yet, bringing together 2,000 exhibitors from 58 countries and expected to generate RM5.0 billion in trade sales.
As Malaysia aims for RM80 billion in Halal exports by 2030, active participation from international partners like Libya plays a key role in building resilient global Halal supply chains. In terms of regional turnout, Northeast Asia and ASEAN anchor the buyer contingents, closely followed by expanding representation from Africa as a key non-traditional growth market.
About MATRADE
The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) is Malaysia’s national trade promotion agency. Established in March 1993, its primary role is to assist Malaysian exporters in developing and expanding their export markets. Aligned with Malaysia’s commercial diplomacy efforts, MATRADE is the nation’s trade facilitator and champion of Malaysian-made products and services on the global stage.
Source: Ekow Annan and Vanessa Tutuwaa Danso
