WITEX AND WCAF 2025 STRENGTHEN REGIONAL COOPERATION, ASEAN'S HALAL ECONOMY
PETALING JAYA, Aug 22 (Bernama) -- The World Islamic Tourism and Trade Expo (WITEX) and World Cultural and Arts Festival (WCAF) 2025 present significant opportunities to strengthen cooperation and boost the halal economy, Islamic tourism and creative industries in Southeast Asia, according to a senior aide of the Malaysian Prime Minister.
Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, who is Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's senior political secretary, said that WITEX and WCAF 2025, which run from today until Aug 24, mark a defining moment for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to showcase its unity, diversity and economic potential on the global stage.
"Under Malaysia’s leadership, ASEAN can leverage its collective strengths from shared cultural heritage to integrated trade ecosystems to establish Southeast Asia as a premier hub for the global halal economy," he said in his speech while officiating the event here today.
He emphasised the dual significance of the event, highlighting both its economic and cultural dimensions as WITEX opened new doors for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), entrepreneurs and investors worldwide by creating a platform for the halal economy, tourism services and trade collaborations to flourish globally.
Shamsul Iskandar stated that WCAF reminds the world that Islam is a civilisation of compassion, creativity and coexistence, celebrating Malay cultural heritage, a culture built on respect, kindness and refinement.
He called on all stakeholders to support local heritage through community-led tourism and cultural residencies, empower small businesses and artisans with fair market access, and adopt digital solutions to build global connections and trust through accreditation.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Association of Tour Agencies (MATA) president Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khalid Harun, who is also chairman of WITEX and WCAF 2022, said that the event provides an ideal platform to connect buyers, sellers, investors and innovators, driving market growth.
"This year, we welcome exhibitors and delegates from Malaysia, ASEAN, the Middle East, Africa and Europe, all committed to expanding the horizons of Islamic tourism and trade," he said.
Mohd Khalid added that over the next three days, visitors would enjoy performances, art showcases, culinary journeys and cultural exhibitions from around the world, as WCAF complements WITEX by promoting not only trade and business but also people-to-people connections that embody the spirit of global harmony.
Project chief executive officer Datuk Jeffri Sulaiman reported that there are over 150 exhibition booths, with participation from 12 countries, namely Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Thailand, Vietnam, China, Spain, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Zambia and Taiwan.
"Equally significant is the strong representation of Malaysian state tourism boards, including Perlis, Pahang, Terengganu and Langkawi, highlighting our country’s rich and diverse tourism offerings.
"WITEX positions Malaysia at the forefront of this fast-growing sector, aligned with our government’s vision for Visit Selangor Year 2025 and Visit Malaysia Year 2026," he said.
-- BERNAMA
