KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) is optimistic that Malaysia's exports for the first eight months of 2022 will reach RM1 trillion, based on the encouraging trade performance right now.

Chief executive officer, Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz said to date, the country has recorded an average of RM125 billion worth of exports per month, and is on track to maintain the same performance for the rest of the year.

From January to July 2022, Malaysia's total trade stood at RM1.607 trillion, with exports at RM873.07 billion and imports at RM734.51 billion.

"Based on the current trade performance, I am confident that exports in August will reach RM1 trillion.

"The demand for Malaysian goods is very high at the moment, and local companies, assisted by Matrade, are also aggressively promoting local products abroad," he told Bernama today.

Mohd Mustafa said this during his visit to Wisma Bernama, together with a delegation of Matrade officers.

Meanwhile, he said that the 18th Malaysia International Halal Exhibition (MIHAS) 2022, which kicks off on Sept 7, is expected to attract 1,200 exhibitors.

"Through Matrade's network of 46 offices worldwide, we will also bring 250 buyers from overseas as well as five premium buyers to attend this year's MIHAS.

"Based on MIHAS 2021's achievement of close to RM2.13 billion in sales, I am confident that MIHAS 2022 will be able to surpass that amount," he said.

To be held in the hybrid form, the four-day MIHAS 2022 will focus on helping local and international players in terms of innovation and sustainable initiatives as well as halal economic growth.

-- BERNAMA